BURNLEY player-chief Adrian Heath, pictured right, has tipped Euro' 96 outsiders Spain as dark horses for European championship glory.
England kick-off the tournament against Switzerland at Wembley tomorrow.
But Heath will have one eye on Elland Road where his former boss Javier Clemente launches the Spanish challenge against Bulgaria this Sunday.
Heath worked under the controversial Spanish coach - nicknamed the Spanish Brian Clough - when he starred for Espanol in the late eighties.
And the experience left a lasting impression on the Clarets boss who plans to watch Spain, Russia and Italy in action over the next three weeks.
"It was a real education working for Clemente and I learned a lot about all aspects of the game," said Heath.
"He is an extremely bright coach who worked wonders at Athletico Bilbao and Espanol. Now he is doing the same thing with the Spanish national side. "Clemente is a master tactician and he has built up a fluid system of play that is difficult to counter. He is also a great player motivator.
"People have not mentioned Spain much when they've talked about Euro 96 . But I think they've got a really great chance.
"They have all-round strength in depth and the players have the ability to interchange position.
"I will be studying the methods adopted in Euro 96 very hard to see if there is anything I can use in training schedules with Burnley next season. It's a big learning process."
Voted 1995 European Team of the Year, Spain are one of the current form sides of Europe and face Bulgaria, Romania and France in Group B.
They completed their 10-game Euro-qualifying group unbeaten.
"I think players like Julen Guerrero and Luis Enrique could be real stars of the tournament," added Heath.
Heath, who is a fluent Spanish speaker, has been invited to guest star for Spanish station TV 3 at Elland Road.
Tomorrow is the last day for Burnley season ticket discounts. The Turf Moor ticket office will remain open until 7.00 pm tonight and from 9.15am until 1.00pm on Saturday.
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