LENNIE Lawrence is a big admirer of Burnley captain Steve Davis, but doesn't want to watch him play tomorrow.

The pair worked together at Luton for four years before Davis returned to Turf Moor a season-and-a-half ago.

He was an integral part of the Luton set-up, along with current Clarets team-mates Mitchell Thomas and Phil Gray, and would be a major obstacle to Grimsby's hopes of a first away win of the season.

However, a back injury means he isn't guaranteed to start and Grimsby boss Lawrence has his fingers crossed.

He said: "I know a lot about Burnley, who have three of my former players.

"They are doing very well and I'm expecting a good game.

"I know about Steve Davis. He's a good player and it wouldn't break my heart if he didn't play."

If Davis does return in place of Gordon Armstrong, Lawrence will have a useful insight into two key figures in the Clarets' defence.

However, Grimsby's assistant manager John Cockerill insists that's nothing new for the worldly-wise Mariners boss.

He said: "Lennie is very experienced and he knows his players. Obviously he knows a few of the Burnley lads very well but he knows the players in all the sides and nothing's new to him."

Watch the site tomorrow for updates before, during and after the match.