THE bookies' odds reflect the concensus of opinion that Burnley are unlikely to figure in the Division One promotion race this season.

Quoted at 33-1 for the title, they are being tipped to struggle in certain quarters (Blackburn for instance!).

But anyone with a working knowledge of Stan Ternent and his teams will expect better than that from the Clarets.

If nothing else, they will be a nuisance.

Well organised, determined and backed by a big following, they will be difficult to beat and, if Andy Payton can reproduce the form that saw him top the Division Two scoring charts with 26 last season, they could become a force.

Payton won't figure tomorrow at the Reebok, unless he makes a miracle recovery from the broken toe he suffered when his team-mate Steve Davis stood on his foot in training - an unfortunate incident that should pave the way for summer signing Phil Gray to make his debut.

Former Sunderland and Fulham midfielder Kevin Ball (a Ternent-type player if ever there was one) will also wear Burnley colours for the first time, guaranteeing that Per Frandsen won't have an easy Saturday afternoon on his Reebok return.

Ternent has also recruited experience in the shape of Lee Briscoe from Sheffield Wednesday but, for the most part, he will rely on the team that secured automatic promotion last term.

And, typical of the man, sees no reason to fear the step up. "We've earned the right to play in this division and we can't wait to get on with it," he says.

"There are some very good sides in the First Division and, although we will show teams respect, we won't show any fear!" BURNLEY IN BRIEF Manager: Stan Ternent.

Nickname: Clarets.

Ground: Turf Moor - capacity 22,546.

Position last season: Division Two runners-up.

Top scorer: Andy Payton (last season) 27.

Last time v Wanderers: 1994-95 (Div 1) 2-2 at Turf Moor, 1-1 at Burnden Park.

New signings: Lee Briscoe (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Phil Gray (Luton, free), Kevin Ball (Fulham, free), John Boardman (Liverpool, free).

Title odds: 33-1.

Key men: Andy Payton (injured), Glen Little (doubtful), Steve Davis, Kevin Ball.

In short: the pundits have already tipped Burnley to have a tough season but with the arrival of new faces - Kevin Ball will give the midfield a combative edge - the momentum from last season and Stan Ternent's drive and determination, the Clarets will be a difficult team to beat.