CHRIS Scott watched from the stands as Gary Parkinson earned Burnley promotion to the First Division via the play-offs in 1994.

Now he's looking forward to playing alongside the 35-year-old, who scored the winner against Stockport at Wembley, after he signed for Rossendale on Tuesday night.

Former Burnley defender Scott has played with and against the right back several times, when they were at Burnley together and when Parkinson left Turf Moor in 1997 to join Preston on a free transfer.

"He should be a really good signing for us and might be just what we need because we're quite a young side," Scott said.

"There are only one or two of us in the team who are vocal naturally on the pitch, so that should be another element he brings to the team.

"I've watched him play for many years. He's a solid defender and very good technically as well, and he's had a great career."

He added: "There are a few lads in the team with league experience now so that can only be beneficial.

"Hopefully we can all pull together to secure our safety in the division and then look to build on that next season."

Rossendale manager Jim McBride believes the former Middlesbrough and Bolton player will be a valuable addition to his side.

"We've been short of a leader and organiser since Mark Patterson left. We've been missing that type of player," he said.

"We've got a pretty young side so Gary's experience will prove vital to us.

"And there are one or two Burnley fans who play for us who will be glad about the signing as well!"

McBride, who has no fresh injury or suspension worries ahead of tomorrow's home game against Guiseley, added his assistant Brian Griffiths had a big hand in the new signing.

"Brian is doing the same coaching course as Gary. And with Brian being a left winger and Gary a right back, their paths have crossed a few times to say the least!

"We're just glad to have him on board and hope he will give us the boost we need after losing to Witton Albion last week and Leigh RMI in the trophy on Tuesday.

"They beat us 4-2 and three out of their four goals were set pieces so that's obviously something we need to work on.

"I was also very disappointed last Saturday. We were awful in the first half and that's what prompted me to go and get Gary.

"The lads have been playing well enough but they're a bit naive at times. Hopefully our new signing will encourage them and get the best out of them."

Parkinson, who ended his professional career at Blackpool before moving to Stalybridge, looks set to make his debut at Dark Lane tomorrow. But while McBride hopes he impresses on the pitch, he could have a part to play behind the scenes.

"Brian does a lot of the coaching and I do some, but if Gary wants to put his hat into that ring and do a little bit he certainly can," he said.

"We're just glad to have him on board now and hopefully he can make a difference for us."