Clarets goalkeeper Paul Crichton has been praised for getting his career back on track at Turf Moor.

But the man who applauded his comeback is also hoping to see the Burnley number one picking the ball out of the net tomorrow.

Grimsby Town's long-serving assistant manager John Cockerill knows Crichton's game inside out from his three-year stint at Blundell Park, when the keeper barely missed a game.

From there, Crichton had an ill-fated spell at West Bromwich Albion following a £250,000 move.

But his switch to Burnley almost two years ago revived his fortunes as the 31-year-old swiftly put those troubled times behind him.

"I'm not surprised really. He's a good keeper who had a terrific three years here. He did very well for us.

"He's a good lad and I was sorry to see him go but I'm pleased that he's done well for Burnley.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him but hopefully seeing a few go past him as well," said Cockerill.

Grimsby have struggled for goals this season as they find themselves bottom of the table.

But Lennie Lawrence's arrival has brought some fresh belief as the Mariners go in search of a first away success.

"Burnley are a big, strong team with a lot of experienced lads in it. "It's going to be difficult but we will go there with a game plan and hopefully that will enable to get something out of it," added Cockerill.

The assistant boss, who has been at Blundell Park for 13 years, sees parallels between the two clubs, even though he admitted it would have been nice to see the prolific Andy Payton in a Grimsby shirt at some time.

He added: "Over the years Andy Payton would have been the kind of player we would have liked to have signed if we could.

"They have a lot of good players and they are an experienced team. They are not a young side and they are a similar to us in a way. They have a lot of lads who have been in and around this league for a long time."

Payton must finally be in line for a first start of the season with Phil Gray an injury doubt and the Clarets certain to revert to a two-man strikeforce following the use of Andy Cooke as a lone striker from the start at Fulham on Tuesday night.

Burnley, who will give a late check to Steve Davis, will be glad to return to Turf Moor for their first home game of the month and will be looking for maximum points to stay in ther top half of the table.

Grimsby were today hoping to recruit a midfield player on loan from a Premiership club following mid-week injuries to Alan Pouton and Stacey Coldicott. Paul Groves could also step forward into a midfield role if required, provided Peter Handyside is considered fit enough to start his first game of the season.

Burnley from: Crichton, Weller, Briscoe, Thomas, Cox, Davis, Little, Ball, Cook, Cooke, Payton, Mullin, Branch, Armstrong, Jepson, Maylett, Mellon.

Grimsby from: Coyne, McDermott, Groves, Raven, Smith, Butterfield, Pouton, Coldicott, Black, Livingstone, Allen, Jeffrey, Chapman, Clare, Handyside, Donovan, Gallimore, Croudson.

The Clarets juniors entertain Chester City tomorrow.

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