ANDY Payton (pictured) will be champing at the bit to get back on the goal trail against Luton Town tonight.

The Clarets' 19-goal leading scorer is available again after a three-match ban.

And while boss Stan Ternent is backing Ian Wright to open his account, he is delighted to have Payton's goal-scoring pedigree to call on as well.

He said: "That will happen (for Ian) sooner or later but I like having Andy Payton around.

"It's been three games but it's been a long one. It's not like being over Saturday, mid-week, Saturday.

"He's served his punishment and he's kept himself in good nick."

It's not a clear-cut decision as to whether Payton will partner Wright or wait for his chance from the bench.

Andy Cooke has gone six games without a goal but Ternent recognises other qualities in Cooke's game, notably his ability to hold the ball up and unsettle defenders.

However, if there is any doubt over the striker's fitness then Payton will definitely be back as the Clarets bid to hit back from Saturday's defeat by Preston.

"It's a problem but it's a good one to have," Ternent added.

"It's a big test and one we're hoping to win.

"If we can get back to winning ways it will do them the world of good and there's no reason why we shouldn't, if we play to our capabilities. "Obviously the fans were disappointed but hopefully they will get behind us again tonight."

The manager faces a couple of selection posers elsewhere which weren't due to be settled until this afternoon following training.

Cooke, Ian Cox and Gordon Armstrong faced fitness checks on calf strains, while Graham Branch is also a doubtful starter following a family bereavement.

However, key defender Mitchell Thomas will be back after missing the Preston defeat.

"It was very frustrating, not only that game but to miss any game.

"When you're a professional footballer you want to play in as many games as possible.

"Unfortunately I got the one game (ban) so hopefully I'll be included against Luton," he said.

And Thomas is anxious to beat his former club to keep the Clarets in the thick of the promotion action.

He added: "It's a great game for us to get back to winning ways. Preston lost to Gillingham at home and then beat us. They bounced back and showed character and we've got to do the same thing.

"I think we're more than capable of doing that, even though it's going to be a very difficult game.

"They will make it hard for us but I think we we've got enough character and determination in the team to come back.

"They're having a bit of a tough time but I don't think you can read too much into that. One minute you can be losing four games and then winning a couple, so we've just got to be professional about it to get the three points."

The loss against Preston was only fifth-placed Burnley's second home defeat of the campaign and the Clarets are determined not to over-react. "We've lost five games in the season and you would take that. Everyone was disappointed but we are upbeat, confidence is sky-high and we are looking to get the three points tonight," Thomas said.

Faltering Luton may recall Paul McLaren in central midfield following suspension after they slipped to their fourth successive defeat at Wrexham on Saturday.

Left wing-back Stuart Fraser is ruled out through injury with highly-rated youngster Matthew Taylor set to come into a five-man defence.

Burnley from: Crichton, Little, Branch, Cox, Davis, Thomas, Johnrose, Cook, Cooke, Wright, Mullin, Payton, West, Mellon, Smith, Brass, Jepson, Robertson.

Luton from: Roberts, McGowan, Watts, Doherty, Johnson, Taylor, Locke, Spring, McLaren, Douglas, Gray, Boyce, White, Fotiadis, George, Scarlett, Ward.

The Clarets' promotion rivals also have home games tonight with Bristol Rovers entertaining Wycombe, Preston facing Colchester, Millwall hosting Scunthorpe and Wigan taking on Blackpool. Stoke are the only top-six side not in action.

Stan Ternent's former Carlisle team-mate and ex-Yorkshire, Leicestershire and England cricketer Chris Balderstone died yesterday at the age of 59. Also a Test umpire, Balderstone played alongside Ternent for five years at Brunton Park as Carlisle climbed up to the First Division.

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