BURNLEY will kick-off their 1996-97 Nationwide Division Two campaign with a difficult assignment at Luton Town.

And that leaves former Clarets captain Steve Davis in line to lock horns with his old mates at Kenilworth Road on August 17.

Burnley's first league game at the new all-seater stadium sees Walsall visit Turf Moor on August 24.

And the Clarets follow that with a mouth-watering Lancashire derby clash against Blackpool at Turf Moor on September 10. The return fixture is at Bloomfield Road on Boxing Day - and a guaranteed full-house.

The Clarets entertain Chesterfield on New Year's Day and wind up their campaign against Graham Taylor's Watford on May 3.

Meanwhile, Burnley manager Adrian Heath had ankle surgery today in a bid for full fitness for the start of pre-season training next month.

The Turf Moor player-chief underwent the operation at a private hospital in London and should be home tomorrow.

Heath saw a specialist last month about the problem which has dogged him since he arrived back at Turf Moor in a player-manager capacity in March.

Heath explained: "It's not too major, it's just a matter of cleaning out the ankle. It hasn't been right for the last six months.

"I wanted to have the whole thing sorted out in time for pre-season training and, with a little bit of luck, this should do the trick." The Burnley boss says he hopes he will not be needed in a playing capacity next season but has decided to play safe in case his playing services are needed.

He added: "It would be ideal if I don't have to think about playing myself next season," he added.

"But I have to make sure that the ankle is sorted out once and for all if I am going to consider myself as part of the squad."

Heath spent a busy weekend holding discussions with a young Portuguese striker and reported 'good progress.'

The identity of the player still remains a closely guarded secret because he is still under contract with a Portuguese club but Heath said: "The player went back to Portugal yesterday and we've had very fruitful discussions.

"He was very impressed with the facilities at Turf Moor. He is a young player with a lot of talent."

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