Division Two: Oldham Athletic v Burnley - Pete Oliver's big match preview

INSIDE information might help Burnley to another crucial three points at Oldham tomorrow.

The Latics are expected to hand a debut to on-loan Sunderland striker Paul Beavers as they look to win their own relegation battle.

But the youngster should hold no surprises for two of the Burnley staff, who have played alongside him this season.

Colin Carr-Lawton and Carl Smith were in the same Ethinikos team as Beavers before their ill-fated loan spell with the Greek club turned sour.

Beavers was subsequently loaned to Oldham by Sunderland boss Peter Reid and his counterpart at Boundary Park, Andy Ritchie, this week received international clearance for the 20-year-old target man.

Fears that Ethinikos would retain the players' registration on their recent return to England were dismissed in Beavers' case after the intervention of FIFA.

The six-feet, three-inch Beavers, who had allegedly not received his full pay while with the Greek First Division strugglers, had a clause in his contract allowing him to return home if he was not happy.

And having exercised that right, FIFA have allowed him to face Burnley tomorrow.

Oldham need all the help they can get as a run of just one win in 10 games has seen them slump to fifth from bottom of the table.

And Blackpool-born Beavers, with a useful scoring record at reserve team level, has apparently looked impressive in training and will be asked to spearhead the Latics attack.

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