Big match preview: Burnley v Stockport County

DAVID Eyres could be back in the frame for tomorrow's fire-fight against Division Two form-team Stockport County at Turf Moor.

And that would prove a tremendous boost for the Clarets who go in to the fixture on the back of two straight league defeats.

The influential Eyres was forced to miss the last couple of fixtures after being hit by a bad flu bug a week ago.

But the fans' favourite trained at Gawthorpe today and has a fighting chance of reclaiming the number three shirt.

Assistant manager John Ward explained: "David has had two training sessions now and we are reasonably hopeful that he'll play.

"The next 24 hours will be crucial because the illness has left David quite weak. We hope he can make it."

News on the injury front appeared a lot brighter today with manager Adrian Heath still hopeful that he will be able to include Vince Overson in his plans.

Right full-back Gary Parkinson, ruled out at Bury with a leg injury, is back in training and is expected to play.

Paul Weller should resume training today after intensive treatment since Wednesday while striker Paul Barnes was passed fit. Midfielder Damian Matthew is nearing fitness again but this weekend could come a touch too soon and he may have to wait another week before he's back in contention.

But Peter Swan (hamstring) and Steve Thompson (knee) are both expected to be ruled out for at least another week.

The management team had hoped to add a loan signing to the squad in time for tomorrow's clash but Ward admitted: "We've made a lot of enquiries but we've drawn a blank.

"The players we wanted to bring to Burnley are just not available at present. We will keep trying but I don't think we'll have anybody in for tomorrow."

Burnley face a demanding task against a Stockport team who have won their last six games, including a 5-2 Coca-Cola Cup victory at Sheffield United and a dazzling 4-3 win at Millwall on Wednesday. "Stockport are flying but we are confident of achieving the right result. We just need to show a little bit more consistency in our play."

Burnley squad from: Beresford, Parkinson, Eyres, Harrison, Smith, Brass, Overson, Winstanley, Hoyland, Weller, Barnes, Nogan, Cooke, Gleghorn, Carr-Lawton, Heath, Russell (GK).

Stockport from: Jones, Connelly, Todd, Bennett, Flynn, Gannon, Durkan, Ware, Angell, Armstrong, Jeffers, Landon, Edwards, Dinning.

Burnley fans will be able to pay the turnstiles for next weekend's fixture against Rotherham United at Millmoor. Terrace £7.50, adults, 5.00, conc. Seats: £10.00, 6.50, conc.

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