VINCE Overson could be back at the heart of the Burnley defence for Saturday's blood and thunder Division Two encounter against Stockport County.

Manager Adrian Heath is hoping to include the big defender in his Turf Moor plans after Overson continued to make steady progress from the thigh strain which has forced him out of action recently.

While Overson did not feature in last night's reserve team fixture at Shrewsbury, hopes were high today that the big man will be fit for the weekend.

"We need Vince back and we are hoping he will be fit enough to play," said Heath.

"His general determination and enthusiasm has been missed and it would be a great boost to have him back in the ranks.

"We may have to take a risk on him and hope that he lasts the game. We are in a difficult situation as regards the number of players we can call on." Overson has only featured for the Clarets once due to injury - the Coca-Cola Cup tie against Charlton at Turf Moor - since signing from Stoke City on a free transfer in August. Heath will have to wait until tomorrow before he will be in a position to name a side for the weekend, but says he may name himself as one of the Clarets substitutes after featuring at Gigg Lane for the last 20 minutes on Tuesday.

"I quite enjoyed the playing experience again and it was nice to give the old legs a run-out," he joked.

Heath was hoping that David Eyres may be strong enough to come back into contention following a bad bout of influenza but Chris Vinnicombe is definitely ruled out with a troublesome thigh strain.

Gary Parkinson's chances are rated at 50/50 while Paul Weller and Paul Barnes, both struggling with knocks from Bury, should be okay.

The manager was still hoping to have at least one fresh face in his squad as he searches to bring in a player on loan.

Heath added: "I'm pursuing a number of line of enquiries and I've spoken to a couple of clubs. I've got until lunch time tomorrow to try and tie something up."

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