CHRIS Waddle is set to complete the signing of prolific-scoring non-League striker Kevin Henderson from Morpeth Town this week, subject to the usual medicals.

But the Burnley player-manager, who welcomed the prospect of a home tie in the second round of the FA Cup against non-League Kings Lynn, had other things on his mind today.

He is battling against a knee injury to be fit for tomorrow night's vital Second Division home game with Milwall.

Henderson has impressed in reserve team games with Burnley and it will only cost a small initial fee for the Turf Moor club to add him to the staff.

Morpeth are expected to receive around £5,000 with more money to come depending on appearances by the striker.

"We've agreed everything and he just has to take the medical. He will come down here later this week for that," said Waddle.

Henderson, who works for Northern Rock PLC in the North East, has had to give two weeks notice, so he won't be able to join up with his new team-mates on a full-time basis just yet.

But he is eagerly looking forward to an opportunity in the professional game, after scoring around 20 goals for Morpeth this season.

"This is my big chance and I'm really going to give it a go," said the striker. "It's the sort of chance I have always dreamed about and I'll give it my best shot."

Waddle, who saw Burnley paired with Kings Lynn in yesterday's second round FA Cup draw, was pleased with the character shown by his team in the 3-3 draw at Rotherham on Saturday.

It was a typical tough cup tie away from home and the player-boss said: "You see some of the results and some of the bigger guns in this division have had an upset.

"I thought over the 90 minutes we deserved the result.

"The good thing is we have shown the character to bounce back.

"Whatever game you play, you are going to have times when you are under the cosh.

"I don't care who you play, that will happen. But the lads showed good character. I was disappointed with the header (from Knill) because it was another set piece.

"But it was well worked and a good header. "And what do you do about a deflection off someone's back and a block that goes into the top corner?

"I am very pleased with the character we showed."

The FA Cup draw leaves the way open for Burnley to join the big guns in the third round, if they win two home games in the competition and they are certainly capable of that - especially against sides from lower down the scale.

"We're thinking about Millwall now but, looking at the cup draw, you couldn't ask for a better incentive to beat Rotherham," said Waddle.

"We have to get them out of the way first before we can think about Kings Lynn. We were comfortable for an hour or so on Saturday and they got a head of steam up in the last 25 minutes and caused a few problems.

"But at Burnley we should be confident of winning."

As for the knee injury, which is causing him problems, Waddle said there had been some improvement but did not know at this stage whether he would be fit to face Millwall.

Chris Waddle is the special guest of Burnley Supporters Club at the Centre Spot tonight (7pm). Everybody is welcome.

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