CHRIS Brass could soften the blow of Steve Davis's absence through injury by making a successful return to action in the Clarets reserves at Turf Moor tonight.

And Burnley's opening Pontin's League Premier Division game of the season against Grimsby Town (kick-off 7.15) will also be another important stepping stone back to the senior set-up for Paul Weller.

Weller will play his first game against professional opposition since undergoing three bouts of surgery to cure a serious stomach problem.

And also on the comeback trail will be Mark Robertson and John Mullin, who have recovered from thigh and toe injuries respectively.

Brass is yet to play a game this season after being forced to undergo surgery on a hernia problem.

But his return to fitness will be welcome news for Clarets boss Stan Ternent, who lost Davis to a calf strain during the weekend win over Chesterfield.

Saturday's trip to Oldham Athletic may come too soon for Brass to claim a place in the starting line-up.

But with Davis set to be sidelined for up to three weeks, the former skipper could have a vital role to play in the heart of the defence in a busy period for the Clarets, who face five games in less than two weeks starting from Saturday. "We'll see how he does. It's his first competitive match of the season," said Ternent, who has also named senior players Paul Smith, Graham Branch and Stephen Grant in tonight's squad.

"It's good for them all to get some match practice and fitness," the boss added.

While the likes of Brass and Mullin will have their sights set on some involvement at Boundary Park, Weller will be viewing tonight's game as just another step on the route back to Second Division football a bit further down the line. "He's doing okay," confirmed Ternent. "He's played against Hyde and one or two others but this will be his first league game.

"It will be a test for him but I would have thought there's no problem in that and I'm sure he'll do alright."

The Clarets, who have been included in the new-look Pontin's League top-flight following the withdrawl of the Premiership clubs, will be able to name some strong sides this season.

And the club is hoping to encourage larger crowds for their reserve team fixtures.

Admission tonight is £1.50 for concessions and £3 for adults with season-ticket holders not paying. The club's Football in the Community Programme is also operating its new family village before tonight's game. Free family entertainment, including football, quizzes and video games, will be laid on in and around the Turf Moor leisure centre from 5.15pm.

Clarets squad: Mawson, Robertson, Smith, Brass, Williamson, Mullin, Maylett, Grant, Shandran, Weller, Branch, Heywood, Paxton, Scott, Kevan, Kelly.

Colne Clarets are running coaches to forthcoming away games, including: Oldham on Saturday (leaves Morris Dancers at 12.15pm); Bristol Rovers (August 30); and Preston (September 11).

For further details, contact: Alan Beecroft on 01282 864147.

Accrington Clarets are putting on extra transport for the game at Oldham on Saturday leaving from the Queen's Eastgate at 1pm. For details, ring: Phil on 01254 387230.

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