GLEN LITTLE could be in line for a shock recall to the Clarets starting line-up in the AXA FA Cup fourth round tie at Cheltenham Town on Sunday.
The Burnley winger has not played since the previous round when he pulled up with a hamstring injury in the second half against Canvey Island.
His inclusion in the squad will depend on the success of his treatment this week at the rehabilitation centre in Lilleshall.
He had been expected to be missing for three weeks but it is hoped that his recovery will have been accelerated.
His progress will be assessed by club physio Ian Liversedge on his return to the club today.
Gareth Taylor, who suffered an ankle injury in the same match, also returned to action ahead of schedule, scoring from the spot in the home defeat by Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
Little's return would be a boost for Stan Ternent ahead of the tricky trip to the third division side as he is certain to be without the injured trio of Paul Weller, Andy Payton and Steve Davis.
The conclusion of the Robbie Blake saga moved a few steps closer after a meeting between his agent Paul Stretford and Clarets chairman Barry Kilby.
And Kilby today admitted: "It is now just a case of sorting out the minutiae.
"Nowadays you can never say a deal is done until it is signed but we are very close.
"But the fact is that with the player having an injury at the moment there is still a very strenuous medical to go through.
"We have to be 100 per cent certain there is no serious problem.
"And we have taken our time over the deal because there is no immediate chance for him to play and we want to get it right.
"We are making sure we spend every pound wisely."
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