LEE GRANT will be staying firmly on the fence when Derby and Burnley face off in the FA Cup tomorrow.

The Rams stopper, who's on-loan at Burnley but is ineligible for the game, could be viewed as a 'spy in the camp' by both clubs - but he is hoping to keep a low profile at Pride Park.

The 22-year-old stopper has made just one appearance for the Clarets since his loan switch from Derby after covering for suspended Brian Jensen.

The FA Cup always seems to throw up new twists and Grant says he knew the two clubs would be drawn togethe in the third round.

He said: "I had this strange feeling before the draw that this would happen. I was with my family when the draw was made and my dad said: 'Wouldn't it be funny if Derby and Burnley were drawn together' and that's just what happened.

"It was a bit unfortunate it came out the way it did because I was hoping the gaffer would put me in and give Brian (Jensen) a rest because he's played a lot of games recently but it wasn't to be.

"I spoke to a few of the Derby lads just to find out how they were getting on and they were a bit coy because they may see me as a spy in the camp.

"I'm not sure how I'm viewed by the Burnley players either. I might not be welcome in either dressing room on Saturday so I'm just going to keep a low profile!"

But despite not being able to take part, Grant is expecting a tough battle at Pride Park between two good sides.

He said: "It's going to be a tight game. I've seen from the last few games at Burnley that they're a hard-working, organised team and the same thing can be said about Derby.

"They're scoring a lot of goals at home and they've got a good record at Pride Park so it should make for a good game."

Grant, who made his debut against the Clarets in 2002, ends his loan spell after the Cardiff game on Saturday week and said he expects to be on his travels again in search of first team football.

He said: "I've enjoyed my time at Burnley. I came here to do a job and expected not to get many games. I enjoyed being in the thick of things against Leicester but otherwise it's been a little bit frustrating sat on the bench.

"I need to be playing games and if you speak to the gaffer (Steve Cotterill) he will say the same.

"I'm not playing games at Burnley so I've either got to try and fight my way into the Derby team or find somewhere else to play."