THE Clarets have personnel problems in the run-up to Saturday's derby clash at Deepdale.

Kevin Ball and Graham Branch serve one-match bans and Glen Little and Lee Briscoe are out through injury.

Robinson could therefore return to the bench as back-up for the front two of Ian Moore and Andy Payton.

Burnley are short up their left-hand side, however, and Lennie Johnrose, John Mullin, Gordon Armstrong and possibly even Paul Smith will be hoping to earn a place in a re-shuffled midfield department.

For Ball, missing the clash against ninth-placed Preston is a double blow. The midfielder is upset to be out of a big game for the Clarets and also to see an end to his uninterrupted start to the campaign following his summer move from Fulham.

"To be honest it's a great disappointment because up until now I've had an ever-present record," he said.

"I've played something like a straight 24/25 games including the Worthington Cup so it's disappointing to miss out on games.

"It would be nice for once in my career if I could try and get through a season without missing any games.

"Unfortunately I don't think that's ever going to be the case. I think there's always a little injury or a suspension comes along to mess it up, but it's one of those things."

Ball will be at Deepdale, however, and is backing his replacement to do the job.

"I will be disappointed but I want to be there supporting the lads and hopefully they won't have any problems," he added.

Preston will be without the suspended Michael Appleton and injured winger Iain Anderson but have defenders Colin Murdoch and Graham Alexander available after three-match bans.