BURNLEY midfielder James O'Connor knows all there is to know about tomorrow's opponents, having risen through the youth ranks at Stoke City.

But he wasn't prepared to gamble on whether it will be his current or former club who will be celebrating come five o'clock.

He joked: "I'll sit on the fence; I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of either one of the managers."

Midfielder O'Connor made his debut for Stoke in an Auto Windscreen Shield Trophy match against Blackpool in December 1998, before moving on to join West Brom in 2003.

The 28-year-old has been an ever-present in the Clarets squad this season, with two goals to his name.

And, although the Irishman believes his old side have all the credentials to make a serious push for promotion, he said the current Clarets are packed with similar ingredients, giving a potent mix for tomorrow's clash.

He added: "I think Stoke have a good chance of getting promoted this season, it's very tight up at the top and anyone who does go up will really have to earn it.

"Selfishly, I have to say it would be a massive three points for us, but all the Stoke boys are thinking that too "We know it will be a difficult game against Stoke, Tony Pulis' sides are always highly organised and they fight for everything."