FORMER Burnley star Richard Chaplow admits he is desperate to shake off a back problem to face his boyhood team.

The West Brom midfielder is in contention to lock horns against the Clarets in today's Championship clash at the Hawthorns, but believes he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Accrington-born Chaplow, a die-hard Burnley fan, came through the Turf Moor junior ranks before eventually playing 74 games for the Clarets.

A switch to the Baggies followed in the summer of 2005, but the 21-year-old has yet to establish himself at the Midlands club.

After missing Albion's defeat to Norwich last week with a back injury, Chaplow is eager to return and showcase his talents against Steve Cotterill's men.

"It's the team I desperately want to play against in the league more than anybody else," said Chaplow.

"Everyone knows where I came from and what I did there.

"I enjoyed my time at the club. I supported Burnley as a kid and it's nice to see them doing well.

"You thrive on opportunities to play against former clubs and hopefully I'll get a little run-out and maybe get us a win.

"I've had a few requests for tickets - most of my family are Burnley fans but I'm not sure who'll they'll be cheering.

"My dad's a Burnley fan and he'll be cheering me but I'm not sure about my mates.

"They'll be well behaved in the West Brom end though."

Chaplow added: "I can't see myself starting at this moment in time. I'm not fit enough really.

"This problem won't go away straight away. I just need to strengthen my upper body and it should take care of itself.

"But I've been getting extensive work done on it every day and, fingers crossed, I should be able to play maybe a bit of a part, whether it's being on the bench or whatever."

Regardless of whether he makes an appearance or not, Chaplow is expecting a warm reception from Burnley fans.

He added: "Last time I went back I got a round of applause which was nice. Obviously, I support Burnley and I've been at the club since I was eight.

"I left on good terms and to further my career, it wasn't a fall-out or anything like that.

"Hopefully, I should maybe get a little ripple of applause, you never know!"

Since joining the Baggies in a £1.5 million move, Chaplow has struggled to nail down a permament place in the side and last season made a loan switch to Southampton.

But the creative midfielder believes that, whenever he has been given an opportunity, he has never let anybody down.

Chaplow added: "Two years have flown by. I'm not yet established here.

"I know that and the gaffer knows that and I've had a little chat with him about it because all I want to do is get a chance and show people I'm worth the price tag.

"I thoroughly believe I am and people who saw me at Burnley felt I was as well."