THE new pitch covers at Turf Moor have been in operation this week to try and ensure a near-perfect playing surface for Sunday's big derby showdown.

The Clarets became the first club in the country to install the Matchsaver covering system a couple of weeks ago and they will also be used over the weekend in the run-up to Blackburn's visit.

With temperatures due to drop tonight the under-pitch heating will also be switched on.

And groundsman Arthur Bellamy (pictured) doesn't foresee any problems, bar the kind of late freak storm that accounted for Manchester City's mid-week cup tie with Ipswich.

He said: "The cover will be on as a precaution to be honest. It will be helpful against any frost and if we get some rain.

"Everything should be okay and I'm sure the pitch will play all right. I've no worries about that."

Bellamy and his staff are doing their bit to make Sunday's televised clash a success and the former Burnley player has fond memories of East Lancashire derbies.

His third first-team appearance for the Clarets was in a 1-0 home win over Blackburn in 1963, he scored twice in a 3-0 victory the following season and also helped the Clarets to a 2-0 New Year's Day success in 1966. His only defeat was a Mike England-inspired 4-1 success for Rovers in October, 1965.

"I was on the right end of it most of the time," said Bellamy, who hopes the trend continues on Sunday.