AS a Scot, it was a proud night when James McFadden secured an historic, and valuable, win over France in Paris.

To find out that Burnley new boy Graham Alexander had played his part in a fantastic victory, that put us top of Group B in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, was even better.

Alexander became the first Burnley player in almost 40 years to earn a Scotland cap - and what a remarkable night to achieve that. But hopefully this will just be the start of a few more coming through now.

Burnley manager Steve Cotterill must wait until today to see what sort of shape the rest of the five internationals return in. Fingers crossed they will all be fine and not be harbouring any knocks, and there is no doubt that they will be up for the game.

The Burnley v Blackpool derbies are great to be involved in, and it will be fantastic to see a packed away end tomorrow, creating a fantastic atmosphere all the way around Turf Moor.

It's been a few years since the two teams last played each other, but although it is about twice the distance to, say, Preston, the derby buzz isn't lessened.

Clarke Carlisle will be looking forward, in particular, to playing against his former side. But after a two-week break from domestic action, all the lads will be pumped up for the game.

You've got to applaud Blackpool for the way they've come up to the Championship and tackled the division from the off. They have a good, young manager in Simon Grayson and they have money behind them with their Latvian investor to help them progress.

But I'm sticking my neck out and going for another Burnley win.

In terms of a starting 11, I don't think the Colchester game will come into the equation because Blackpool is an altogether different prospect. With options in the back four, midfield and up front, I expect the manager to exploit them accordingly.