BURNLEY'S hopes of halting Second Division title favourites Swindon Town will still be in safe hands on Wednesday night, even though goalkeeper Wayne Russell will be suspended.

For manager Adrian Heath is confident that he will be able to recall number one Marlon Beresford, following the keeper's two-week absence with a back injury.

Heath, in fact, was considering including Beresford in today's squad for the crunch clash with fellow strugglers Peterborough United.

But the manager admitted that he would probably not take any chances if there was even the slightest chance of aggravating the problem.

"Marlon is a lot better, but it might be best to leave him until Wednesday, rather than take any unnecessary risks," he said.

"We will certainly need him then, because of Wayne Russell's ban."

Russell is ruled out of the daunting trip to the County Ground after being sent off for a professional foul in the home game against Bournemouth. He collected a one-match ban but his offence did save Burnley a point as Bournemouth went on to miss the resulting spot kick.

And that point could yet be vital in the final countdown.

Burnley will be long-shot underdogs at Swindon and it's the first of two tough away tests in succession against promotion-chasing sides.

Little wonder then that the manager put so much emphasis on the need for a victory against Peterborough this afternoon.

As he said: "The sides who get out of trouble will be the ones who string together a couple of wins."

With all their remaining games being against teams currently above them in the table - and four of the last six away after today - that target doesn't look too easy at the moment.

But Heath remains positive that his team can claim the necessary points and then really get down to planning for the future.

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