ALAN Lee announced his return to form with a double-blast in the reserves last night as he pushes for a return to first-team duty at Turf Moor.

The Clarets striker has been left on the fringe so far this season but staked his claim for a re-call to the senior set-up with an impressive performance in a 4-3 win at Huddersfield Town.

"He did well and he's coming back to something like it," said manager Stan Ternent.

Lee celebrated his first double in a Burnley shirt and hopes it will trigger a change in fortunes.

The former Aston Villa front man, who also netted in a closed-doors friendly last Tuesday, said: "My head had been a down a bit but last week we played against Oldham and that went particularly well.

"I just felt great yesterday to be honest. I was confident and felt fit and pacey and I hope I can keep that going.

"It was the first brace I've had for Burnley which was nice, even if it wasn't at first-team level.

"It was a really enjoyable game and we played well. It makes it such a different game and it comes much easier when you are enjoying it."

Lee hasn't started a senior game since December because of a knee injury but now has his sights set on getting back into contention.

"That's the intention," he added. "Last night was how I want to play. You have a few ups and downs which you can't really explain.

"But that was only my fourth 90 minutes since the injury and maybe that had something to do with it. I certainly feel fit enough now."

While the manager will continue to keep his eyes open on the transfer front, Burnley have no shortage of front men.

And Ternent is backing Graham Branch to play a leading part in the Clarets' fight for First Division stability.

Branch has only been used as a substitute so far this term but has looked impressive each time he has come on.

And Ternent believes the versatile former Tranmere and Stockport man can add to the Clarets' attacking threat.

The manager said: "He looks lively. I think he's a better player higher up and I think this level will suit him because he's got all the ammunition.

"He's trained very hard and I think confidence is a big thing in anyone's terms."

Branch's pace and aerial ability should be useful weapons for Burnley as they look to get to grips with scoring goals at a higher level.

And with Andy Payton now pushing for a start, Ternent has genuine competition for places.

He added: "Payts is coming back to full fitnes after getting near enough another half-game in on Monday and Johnny Mullin is coming back nicely now. So when I get them all up and running I'm hopeful we'll be fine."

Phil Gray reported for Northern Ireland duty yesterday and is expected to figure against Malta on Saturday in Belfast when the Irish open their World Cup qualifying campaign.

However, Burnley's other international is having to wait for a game after the work permit for new goalkeeper Nikoloas Michopoulos didn't arrive in time for him to figure in the reserves last night.

The Clarets aren't anticipating a major delay though, and are hopeful that the former PAOK Salonika keeper will be eligible to play against Hartlepool United in the Worthington Cup next week if required.