FORMER Burnley midfield ace Kevin Ball is praying for a dramatic do-or-die return to Turf Moor next season with Sunderland.

Ball, now Black Cats' first team coach, is frustrated he has to wait until the final day of the season to return to his former stomping ground.

By then, much could hinge on the first meeting of the two sides at Burnley in 23 years. And looking into the future, Ball is hoping the outcome could prove beneficial to both teams.

He said: When I saw the fixtures, the first one I looked for was Burnley away and I just wish it hadn't been right at the end of the season.

"But it's still an attractive fixture and it will be good to come back down and see all the fans and staff again.

"If all things good hinge on the outcome for both sides, I'll be a very happy man."

Ball joined Sunderland after spending two years working under Stan Ternent at Turf Moor, where he played 90 games and became a firm fans' favourite.

And the tough-tackling midfielder is backing the Clarets' chief to rebuild a side capable of sustaining a promotion challenge in Division One next season.

He added: "I still speak to Stan a lot and I know he has had his problems. He's had to let players go who have done everything they can for Burnley and every credit should go to him because he is working under serious financial implications.

"I have nothing but respect and admiration for him and if anyone can build another side to press for promotion, it's Stan."

Meanwhile, all remains quiet on the Turf Moor transfer front. Both Ternent and Chairman Barry Kilby have already warned fans' not to expect any new faces until July at the earliest, and both continue to beaver away behind the scenes to land their top targets, who include West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Bywater and released defenders Mo Camara and Lee Roche.