TURF Moor's record-signing Paul Barnes launches his Burnley career at Gillingham tomorrow - primed to forge the Second Division's most explosive striking partnership.

And the 28-year-old striker is already polishing his shooting boots as he prepares to link up with Burnley's leading scorer Kurt Nogan.

Barnes said: "There's not too many clubs you could leave Birmingham for and think you're going to somewhere just as big.

"That's the feeling I get about Burnley. I've got a real buzz about coming to Turf Moor. I'm really fired up.

"Adrian Heath has put his confidence in me by spending a lot of money. Hopefully, I'll justify that fee for him.

"I'm looking forward to playing with Kurt Nogan. Hopefully, we'll hit it off together and we can get our share of goals."

Added Barnes: "I know quite a bit about Burnley after playing against them on several occasions over the past few years for York. "I know the very real potential that exists at Turf Moor. Burnley fans' love of football is second to none.

"I've arrived from Birmingham where it is a similar scenario. Great support and a sleeping giant in football terms."

Barnes has agreed a three-year deal at Turf Moor and teams up with John Ward - the manager who helped launch his career at York City following a £50,000 move from Stoke.

"I've a lot to be thankful to John Ward for," added Barnes. "I learned a lot from John in my four seasons there. It will be great to work with him again."

Barnes joined Birmingham for £350,000 in part-exchange for Gary Bull last March and he added: "I played all the games for Birmingham after Barry Fry brought me in.

"But Trevor Francis arrived and spent a lot of money on his front two and obviously he's going to play them. "To be fair Trevor was brilliant over the deal. He realised that I wanted first team football. He's given me the opportunity to do that at Burnley."

Meanwhile, Wayne Russell is on stand-by for tomorrow's clash at the Priestfield Stadium.

First choice Marlon Beresford faces a late fitness test. Beresford missed the midweek Coca-Cola Cup victory over Mansfield with a damaged shoulder.

Heath added: "We're hopeful that Marlon will play. The injury has not responded as quickly as we thought but we'll give him every opportunity to get fit."

Heath adds Gerry Harrison to his squad but there is a slight doubt over skipper Steve Thompson who picked up a knock in training yesterday. The manager added: "Tomorrow is going to be a real, tough physical battle.

"We know what to expect at Gillingham and we'll have to stand up and be counted.

"If we buckle and roll over then we'll lose. We've had them watched four times. There will be no excuses."

Burnley from: Russell, Beresford, Parkinson, Eyres, Brass, Hoyland, Winstanley, Harrison, Gleghorn, Thompson, Matthew, Nogan, Robinson, Barnes, Gleghorn, Cooke, Weller.

Gillingham from: Stannard, Humphrey, Chapman, Hessenthaler, Harris, Bryant, Smith, Ratcliffe, Fortune-West, Butler, Onuora, Piper, Bailey, Puttnam.

Burnley Supporters Club Travel to Gillingham. Colne 6.45 am, Nelson 7.00, Burnley 7.15, Rawtenstall 7.30. Bookings for Chesterfield and Charlton phone Dave Spencer on 01282 435176.

Burnley's A team lock horns with Manchester United at Gawthopre tomorrow (11.00). The B team are at Wigan.

Swansea City defender Keith Walker is training with Second Division rivals Preston North End. Walker recently spent a trial period at Turf Moor before returning to the Vetch Field.

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