FULHAM will be hoping to make it 26th time lucky when they arrive at Turf Moor tonight, having failed to win on any visit to the Clarets since April 21, 1951.

Whether it has been in the cup or the league, it has made no difference. They have always travelled back south without a win to celebrate.

But Burnley boss Stan Ternent insisted that will count for absolutely nothing once the whistle blows for the start of the match tonight.

"People keep talking about that but records are there to be broken," he said.

"It could be said the same for us, we have not reached the quarter-finals for 20 years - but that has got nothing to do with me.

"It is all down to what happens tonight, who gets the breaks, who plays well, who gets a little bit of Lady Luck."

But if Burnley fans are looking for a lucky omen ahead of tonight's game it may be worth noting that the last time they were in the fifth round, in 1983, they forced a draw down in London against Crystal Palace and beat them 1-0 in the replay.

And the only goal was scored by a striker called Taylor.

If Gareth can emulate Steve, he will get the belated happy birthday he is hoping for.