TURF Moor defender Chris Vinnicombe will resume training on Monday.

The Burnley left-back has not featured in the Clarets line-up for nearly six months after breaking his ankle at Wycombe Wanderers last March.

But he will step up his recovery a week today when he is expected to feature in a Lancashire League fixture.

Physio Andy Jones, who has supervised Vinnicombe's recovery, said: "Chris has made super progress and I'm delighted with his recovery.

"He was worked very hard over the summer and he is slightly ahead of schedule. "Providing everything goes well in training he should be in a position to get involved in a junior match next weekend."

It has proved a long road back for Vinnicombe who now faces a fight with David Eyres for the number three shirt.

The full-back arrived at Turf Moor in a £200,000 deal from Glasgow Rangers in June 1994 and proved one of Burnley's most consistent performers in the First Division before fracturing his jaw at Reading the following November.

Now he could be challenging for a squad place within a fortnight if his recovery plans stay on schedule.

Colchester midfield player Mark Kinsella has signed for Burnley's Coca-Cola Cup oppponents Charlton for a six-figure fee

The signing came too late for Charlton's match 2-1 defeat at Ipswich last night.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international, who is also cup-tied in the Coca-Cola competition so won't be available for next Tuesday's second leg, has been on Charlton's wanted list since he played pre-season friendlies for them.

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