DRISSA Diallo will offer former manager Stan Ternent a hand of friendship before tonight's Division One top-10 battle, writes Derek Davis.The Guinea international's parting from Turf Moor turned acrimonious when he snapped up the chance to join Ipswich, even though the Burnley boss had made it clear he wanted to keep him.

DRISSA Diallo will offer former manager Stan Ternent a hand of friendship before tonight's Division One top-10 battle, writes Derek Davis.

The Guinea international's parting from Turf Moor turned acrimonious when he snapped up the chance to join Ipswich, even though the Burnley boss had made it clear he wanted to keep him.

Ternent was furious when he found out Joe Royle had swiped the defender from under his nose but Diallo put the blame squarely at chairman Barry Kilby's door by claiming he did not act quickly enough to offer him a contract.

The Frenchman explained: “At the end of the season Stan Ternent was desperate to sign me and wanted to offer me a new contract and I was happy to stay but we were waiting for the chairman.

“Nothing happened and then my agent called Burnley to tell them another club was interested in me and they should hurry up to offer me a contract, but again we did not hear anything from the chairman and I could not afford to wait any more.

“It was the chairman's fault. I know Stan was angry at first because he wanted to sign me but he knows it was not my fault. It was down to the chairman being too slow.”

Ternent last night also looked to defuse the situation by answering the question: “Are you looking forward to meeting up with Diallo again?” with a curt “He is not playing.”

Diallo plans to get to Portman Road early tonight to seek out Ternent, and best friend Mo Camara - if he has recovered from a flu bug - to shake hands.

The Burnley contingent are more than happy that Diallo, who made his debut for them against Town last season, is not fit to play after failing to recover from a knee injury.

Diallo said: “I have spoken with friends in Burnley and while they are wishing me all the best they are happy I'm not playing against them.”

The Clarets have been hit by a raft of injuries, illness and a suspension and will never be more susceptible to getting a hiding.

But Diallo warns they will still be a dangerous opposition.

He added: “The situation is good news for us because they don't have any central defenders.

“This is a good time to play Burnley as we are high in confidence and they are short of players and on our day we can beat anyone.

“But Burnley are always difficult to play against because the manager is a great motivator and it won't be easy.

“The key will be for us to keep a clean sheet again because I know we can score goals.”

The knee injury Diallo picked up after colliding with team-mate Georges Santos just a few minutes into their victory over bottom club Wimbledon has proved a troublesome set-back.

He is back in light training but is still a week or so away from getting a game.

He said: “It is getting better but too slowly for my liking. I don't want to rush back because I want to be 100 per cent.”

In his absence Richard Naylor and Georges Santos have been putting in some giant displays but Diallo does not worry about reclaiming his place just yet.

He said: “Richard and Georges are doing very well which is good for the team, but I know I can come back as there are always injuries and suspensions.

“Our success this year will not be down to the starting XI but the whole 25 in the squad.”

The reserve game against West Ham scheduled for tonight has been rearranged for March 30.