ADRIAN Heath was hoping for a double tonic on the injury front today, with Steve Thompson and Paul Weller ready to step out on the comeback trail.

Thompson has been sidelined for some time, after undergoing minor knee surgery, while Weller has been counted out of the manager's plans for the past two weeks with a groin injury.

But the Burnley boss fixed up a friendly against the club sponsors Endsleigh for today, partly with the aim of getting the two men back in action.

"There are several players who will benefit from a run-out and it should be very useful, especially for Steve and Paul," he said.

"The sooner we can get them back in contention the better. "We would only have Chris Vinnicombe out then and I think he is only a week or so away from being fit." Vinnicombe (pictured) has been struggling with a hip injury but hopes to start training again soon.

"It's not so bad when you have a couple of players off for a week here and a week there. But when you have five or six out for long periods, as was the case here not so long ago, it really hits your resources," added the manager.

"You can be struggling for bodies."

The time of year when any club in the lower divisions needs a strong squad is fast approaching.

With the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup being held today, the first round draw follows, involving Burnley.

It will be televised "live" on BBC TV just after 5pm this evening and the date for the first round proper ties is November 16.

And, in addition to League games, more midweek football beckons in the shape of the Auto Windscreens Shield.

Managers of clubs who take part in the competition will be pleased it has taken on a new-look this season, getting rid of the unpopular first round groups.

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