RUNE Vindheim could be pitched in for a dramatic Burnley debut at Maine Road tomorrow after making an instant impact at Turf Moor.

The Norwegian central defender starred for the reserves on Wednesday night and has been drafted straight into the Clarets' squad to take on Manchester City.

Stan Ternent has signed the 26-year-old on a non-contract basis to allow him to figure at City and talks could follow next week regarding a longer deal. Vindheim is out of contract with Norwegian club Brann Bergen and would be available on a free transfer.

And Ternent looks to have unearthed another top-quality bargain if Vindheim's first appearance in a claret and blue shirt is anything to by.

With Ternent's squad stretched to breaking limits by injuries and suspensions Vindheim could even start the game.

"He has a chance to play. Everybody in that squad has a chance of playing," said Ternent.

Chris Brass is the latest addition to a crippling injury list which has seen Ternent rely increasingly on his younger players and playing against seventh-placed City in front of a 30,000 crowd will be another big test for them.

"They are learning. We have not picked up enough points but it will turn for us," said Ternent.

City are yet to lose in the league at home and the Burnley boss added: "It will be a big occasion with the crowd and everything but whichever way up you look at it it's 11 versus 11. "It will be a tough match, no doubt about that. It's half a derby match and there will be a good atmosphere.

"It's a good game to be involved in and it will be a good occasion for the supporters, especially if we get a result."

Gordon Armstrong will lead Burnley out in the absence of Brass who requires an operation to repair damaged knee cartilage.

And Armstrong is hoping his impressive record at Maine Road survives intact.

The Clarets' defender, who helped Ternent's Bury win 1-0 at City last season, confirmed: "I don't think I have ever been beaten there so it's generally a pretty lucky ground for me.

"I have never won at Manchester United but I have done quite well at City so hopefully that will keep going tomorrow."

Armstrong will shoulder plenty of responsibility as he helps his younger charges through and is relishing the trip.

"If you don't enjoy playing games like this you should not be playing football. It's an old cliche but it's right," he insisted.

"You find out about young players when you go and play at these places so it will be interesting to see how everybody copes with it and see how we do."

City skipper Jamie Pollock starts a four-match ban following his second sending-off of the season a fortnight ago and is likely to be replaced by Gary Mason. Former Arsenal striker Paul Dickov, who has scored four times this season, made an earlier than expected return to training this week and could be on the bench tomorrow as back-up for front men Shaun Goater and £3 million man Lee Bradbury.

Burnley from: Ward, Scott, Armstrong, C Smith, Heywood, Reid, Little, Robertson, Cooke, Payton, P Smith, Carr-Lawton, Graham, Henderson, Vindheim.

City from: Weaver, Tiatto, Edghill, Fenton, Wiekens, Vaughan, Mason, Horlock, Bradbury, Goater, Jim Whitley, Dickov, Allsop, Crooks, Jeff Whitley.

There are still a number of tickets available for visiting fans after Burnley received around 70 extras yesterday.

They are for £9 seats and the Turf Moor ticket office remains open until 7pm tonight.

There are also have four tickets available for the executive package at Maine Road.

The cost is £50 and covers a pre-match meal, seats in the top tier of the Kippax Stand, car park pass and match programme. Contact the commercial office at Turf Moor.

Burnley 'A' are away to Tranmere Rovers tomorrow, while the under-18s entertain Oldham.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.