TURF Moor supporters can book their seats for Wayne's World Part 2 as Burnley's Second Division rollercoaster hits the final bend.

Because the goalkeeper who has waited patiently for his big opportunity in the Burnley first team is ready to fight for the right to the number one shirt. Marlon Beresford's enforced absence after double hernia surgery has handed Wayne Russell a glorious opportunity with Turf Moor's first choice expected to be sidelined until at least March.

"I'm desperate to do well and prove myself in the first team. That is my main aim," said Russell.

"This is the first big opportunity I've had for a lengthy run-out in the first team.

"I had a few games in the First Division, but I've got to take this chance.

"I am totally committed to doing well for Burnley.

"I know I've got another year left on my contract, but I can't rely on that. I've got to keep proving myself to everybody. I will just do my best."

Russell and the Clarets first team squad were guests of Burnley MP Peter Pike today. They savoured a slap-up lunch at the Houses of Parliament courtesy of their local MP.

The official visit to Parliament gave the squad and under-fire manager Jimmy Mullen precious time and breathing space to reflect on a traumatic week at Turf Moor before tomorrow's Division Two date at Brentford.

Russell, too, knows his form between the sticks will be a vital factor as Burnley enter the last lap of the Division Two marathon. He should get the nod ahead of loan man Jimmy Glass at Brentford tomorrow. Glass arrived from Crystal Palace on Wednesday and made his Clarets bow in the reserves on Wednesday.

And, like the rest of the Burnley first team, the date in West London can't come quick enough.

"We've got to get our heads down-start digging in and start fighting for each other," warned Wayne.

"We gave a very poor performance against Oxford and we paid the price. It was not just one department which had a bad game. We all did. The atmosphere around the ground creates a bit of tension at the moment.

"It doesn't help the players, but you've got to block that out of your mind. We have to get on with our jobs as professionals."

It was a stern examination for Russell against Oxford. Before that game his only competitive match was just one Pontins League fixture after Christmas.

And, with Russell having recovered from a troublesome back injury which forced him out of action for several weekends, he now needs games under his belt.

He added: "I know the pressure is on all the lads to gain promotion this time.

"There is a lot of expectation about the place.

"With matches against Blackpool, Crewe and Swindon in the next fortnight, they are the ones we have to win."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.