BURNLEY'S number one goalkeeper Marlon Beresford will attempt to play through the pain barrier with a double hernia.

I can reveal that Beresford faces major surgery to repair the damage after a specialist diagnosed the shock hernia trouble last night.

But Beresford has been given the green light to finish the rest of the Second Division campaign with the Clarets before his appointment with the surgeon.

However, if he suffers further damage over the coming weeks, then the £1 million pound rated keeper could be forced to undergo surgery - before the frantic end of season promotion race reaches a climax.

That could rule Beresford out for the rest of the season and would be a major blow to Burnley's hopes of a swift return to the Endsleigh League top flight.

"I'm just hoping it does not come to that and I will be able to finish the season," declared Marlon.

"Generally you can usually play on with them, but I know surgery will be required once the season has finished. "Hopefully I will be able to last out until the end of the season. I am just taking it match by match.

"With a bit of luck it shouldn't get any worse. It is quite painful, especially after a game. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that the injury holds out."

A major doubt surrounded Beresford's fitness before the Rotherham clash at Millmoor and deputy Wayne Russell was added to the first team squad as cover.

However, Marlon successfully negotiated a full 90 minutes and is expected to play against Bristol Rovers at Turf Moor on Saturday.

"The news is a blow but we are guided by the medical people and they have assured us that there is no reason why he can't play on," explained manager Jimmy Mullen.

"Obviously we would be forced into a rethink if the situation worsens further and I have put Wayne Russell on stand-by.

"I would also have to look at the possibility on bringing in cover for the goalkeeper's position.

"Everything hinges on whether Marlon has any more problems with the hernia. We are just hoping that he will be OK and then he can have the surgery in the summer."

Burnley aim to bolster their Pontins League division two promotion push at Port Vale tonight. Kick-off is 7.00 pm. Burnley will choose from: Russell, Dowell, Hoyland, Davies, Smith, Borland, Adams, Taylor, Duerden, Eastwood, McMinn, Francis, Robinson.

Arsenal manager Bruce Rioch has transfer-listed striker Paul Shaw. The forward spent two months on loan at Burnley last season.

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