TURF Moor physiotherapist Andy Jones will hold the key to Burnley's destiny at Bury tonight.

Because Clarets chief Adrian Heath faces a major selection headache after the latest injury blows to rock his beleaguered Turf Moor squad.

Strikers Paul Barnes, Kurt Nogan and defenders Chris Brass and Chris Vinnicombe joined the walking wounded today in the physio's treatment room.

That left an amazing 12 senior players all under treatment for a variety of bumps and bruises.

Today assistant manager John Ward confirmed that Vince Overson, Peter Swan, David Eyres, Damian Matthew and Vinnicombe were already ruled out of the Gigg Lane derby clash, while Jones was working overtime to get the the others fit.

It appears that Overson is still a week away from full fitness, while Eyres is still confined to bed with flu. Vinnicombe has a thigh strain. And there will be late fitness tests for Parkinson, rated as doubtful, and Gerry Harrison before Heath can even contemplate naming his starting 11. With both Eyres and Vinnicombe out of the frame, there was speculation that youngster Paul Smith could take over the left wing-back berth tonight.

"The injuries have gone from bad to worse and the situation is getting a bit grim," conceded Heath.

"Kurt Nogan appears to have broken his nose after getting an elbow in his face against Bristol while Paul Barnes got a knock on his leg. Chris Brass should be all right though."

Heath added: "But, regardless of our injury situation, we'll have the players in a positive frame of mind for this game. It's no use making excuses about the injury list. We've just got to get on with the job. There are a lot of teams in Division Two who want to turn us over and Bury will be no exception. But we are hungry for the right result after the setback against Bristol City."

Bury, guided by former Claret Stan Ternent, made a dazzling start to the campaign and were unbeaten in their first seven games. But the Shakers have lost three out of their last five, including a poor 3-1 defeat to struggling Walsall at the weekend.

Ternent - whose family home is in Burnley - said: "We had a really great beginning to the season but we've still got our L plates on.

"We've got a very young side with a little bit of a blend of experience. Obviously we face a big test against Burnley tonight. They are a mega club compared to us and there are very high expectations for promotion at Turf Moor.

"It's a game we're all looking forward to because it's a big derby game and Burnley will provide us with a fantastic test.

"But I can assure Burnley they'll be in for a battle. We certainly won't be found wanting for spirit, effort and endeavour."

Burnley from: Beresford, Parkinson, Brass, Winstanley, Hoyland, Weller, Smith, Nogan, Barnes, Gleghorn, Cooke, Russell, Carr-Lawton, Harrison.

Bury from: Kiely, West, Bimson, Daws, Butler, Jackson, Wooddward, Johnson, Matthews, Johnrose, Carter, Stant, Rigby, Pugh.

Former Clarets chief Jimmy Mullen was today linked with the vacant managerial post at Wycombe Wanderers following the departure of Alan Smith yesterday.

Burnley have sold over 3,000 tickets for the Gigg Lane clash. Fans will be able to pay on the turnstiles tonight £10 for the stand, £5 conc, and £9 for the terrace, no conc.

Burnley fans are warned that there are extensive road works at Junction 2 from the M66 (From where Gigg Lane is well signposted), and at the junction of the A 56, Walmersley Road.

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