THERE has been good news from the treatment room for Burnley boss Stan Ternent this week and it might mean a more experienced reserve side will be in action at Bury next Wednesday.
In two of the first three games of this season, the Clarets have been forced to field a second string side without a single player with Football League experience.
Ternent has not been in a position where he could risk any players of his first team squad because he has simply not had enough bodies available.
But he explained this week: "Gordon Armstrong and Brad Maylett are back in training after their hamstring problems but they are not yet fit for selection."
That fitness can only come through playing matches and that means the trip to Gigg Lane on Wednesday afternoon will be an ideal opportunity for them to have a run out.
Maylett has been struggling with a hamstring injury since he appeared against Wrexham in the opening match of Burnley's pre-season trip to the Isle of Man.
The 21-year-old winger knows this is a big season for him and he needs to break through from the fringes to become a more regular feature in the first team.
It is also an important season for the versatile Armstrong who has also been struggling with a hamstring problem.
At 35 he is at the the other end of his career spectrum but having been given a one-year deal in the summer he is determined to play his part once again.
Other experienced players likely to figure are Graham Branch, who this week got the all clear from a scan on his calf, and striker Andy Payton who will be desperate to prove he should be higher than fifth in the pecking order to play up front.
One thing is certain, the presence of some older heads will be of benefit to the younger players who will continue in the side, as shown in the 2-0 win at Wolves last month.
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