RESERVE team goalkeeper Wayne Russell was on red alert today with £1 million pound rated Marlon Beresford on the brink of major surgery for a double hernia.

I can reveal that the Clarets deputy 'keeper has been placed on emergency standby for tomorrow's Division Two clash at Turf Moor and is in line to make his first senior appearance of the season against Bristol Rovers.

It means Mullen is likely to step up his efforts for senior cover with untried 16-year-old goalkeeper Craig Mawson the only available option as cover if Russell gets the nod.

"Marlon is not happy with the hernia problem and is in a good deal of pain," revealed manager Jimmy Mullen.

"The hernia diagnosis means that Marlon is not as mobile as he should be. He is clearly troubled by the problem.

"Therefore I have made the decision to bring Wayne Russell into the squad and he has a very good chance of playing.

"We will decide over the weekend if Marlon is to go into hospital early for the surgery required."

The shock double hernia trouble was diagnosed several days ago and the development was revealed in Wednesday's Lancashire Evening Telegraph. And, while it was initially thought Beresford could play through the pain barrier for the remainder of the campaign, it now appears Burnley will opt for an early solution to the problem and surgery.

That would almost certainly rule Beresford out for a major slice of the current campaign and hand Russell his first major opportunity for an extended run in the Clarets first team.

"Wayne is a good goalkeeper and I have no hesitation in playing him," added Mullen.

"He deputised for Marlon last season in the first division and did well enough. It would also be a big chance for the lad."

Mullen welcomes Gary Parkinson back into the squad tomorrow following a two month injury lay-off.

"It is nice to have Gary back, but I also have the option of leaving Paul Weller at right back and playing John Francis from the start. I will make that decision tomorrow.

"The most important thing for Burnley over the next four days is six points from the two home games against Bristol and Oxford. That is a top priority."

Burnley report no problems at Turf Moor following the return of the big freeze.

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