HAVING two ‘number ones’ on your books can be as much of a curse as it is a blessing.

For starters, there’s the headache of which goalkeeper to select.

Then there’s the knock-on effects of that decision, and keeping the one who’s missed out motivated, because both will feel they are worthy of the gloves.

These are trials which have befallen Eddie Howe since January, and Brian Laws before him.

And already this season there has been a change between the sticks.

Brian Jensen came in for former Rams stopper Lee Grant at Derby County and staked a strong claim for keeping his place by helping the Clarets secure their first Championship win of the season.

He was aided by a much more resilient defensive performance than Burnley fans had previously witnessed.

Grant had not been so fortunate. Having not conceded a goal in his pre-season outings, he went on to ship 10 in the opening five league and cup games.

He could point the finger at the players in front of him for most of them, but did Jensen overall bigger presence offer more assurance to the back four. He isn’t nicknamed ‘The Beast’ for nothing.

You’d back the brave former Baggie in a one-on-one. He commanded his box from start to finish at Pride Park, while a super second-half save to stop the ball flying into the top corner preserved three precious points.

What the hard-working Grant lacks in physique, in comparison, he makes up for in agility.

Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps Jensen’s biggest advantage in these circumstances though is that he’s been here before. He is well-versed in a Burnley battle for the gloves.

The Dane has seen off a clutch of keepers in his eight years at Turf Moor.

Danny Coyne, Gabor Kiraly and Diego Penny have all left the club, while Jensen, 36, has survived four managerial changes to go into his ninth season with the club.

Could Grant be next on his list?

Read the Burnley FC jury only in today's Lancashire Telegraph newspaper.