GLEN Little is poised to give the Clarets' campaign a timely shot in the arm by returning to front-line action.

Burnley's ace-in-the-pack has set his sights on a comeback against Chesterfield at Turf Moor a week on Saturday.

Little has been sidelined since the end of November after undergoing a double hernia operation.

And an imminent return would be a major tonic for the Clarets as they look to convert three successive draws into wins to make progress up the Second Division table.

Little confirmed today: "I am back doing some light training and touch wood everything is going according to plan.

"If there are no hiccups I am hoping to be back next Saturday against Chesterfield.

"If everything goes to plan that's what I have pencilled in as a comeback."

He added: "This Saturday is just a bit early as I haven't kicked a ball yet. I have just been running but next week I should start to get back to full training.

"I don't think there is a reserve game but hopefully I can get a good week's training in and see what the manager wants to do." Stan Ternent won't rush Little back if he feels the winger isn't ready.

But the Burnley boss will welcome back a fully fit Little - whose recovery programme included training on Christmas day - with open arms as the cutting edge he provides on the right flank has been sorely missed.

In his absence Burnley haven't won a game, although Little was heartened by Saturday's draw with Walsall and is looking forward to playing alongside Ternent's new recruits.

He said: "Since I have been at the club I had six weeks out with a broken toe and other than that two weeks is the longest I have been out so it has been awful, especially with the team desperate to get results.

"We keep getting draws and were beaten by Northampton in a game we were looking to win.

"But against Walsall on Saturday I thought we did well and looked a lot better.

"With the new signings coming in, touch wood, we might be getting the right mixture. They are good signings and I am looking forward to coming back and playing with them. While Steve Davis and Ally Pickering should help tighten things up at the back, the prospect of Little returning on the opposite flank to Graham Branch is an exciting one.

"I don't know too much about Graham but he has played in the First Division so he must be a good player," admitted Little.

"Since Paul Smith got injured we have missed a pacey player on the left who can beat players and cause problems. Graham Branch could be that missing link."

Burnley reserves return to Pontins League action tonight when they take on Sheffield Wednesday at Turf Moor (kick-off 7.15).

Meanwhile, shareholders in the dark over how to take up or distribute their share entitlement under the Clarets' right issue have been offered advice on how to transact their business.

Other information on dealing in the shares is also available by contacting Basil Dearing, public relations officer of the Burnley and Pendle Law Society at Steele, Ford, Newton solicitors on 01282 421284.

Burnley Supporters' Club travel details for Saturday's game at Bristol Rovers are: leave Colne 8am, Nelson 8.15, Burnley 8.30, Rawtenstall 8.50. Prices £11, £13 and £15. Bookings to Shaun Borman on 0797 0726893.

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