TURF Moor defender Chris Vinnicombe could be back in action within a month.

The Burnley full-back missed the start of the Second Division campaign after breaking his ankle five months ago.

But now the signs are that Vinnicombe could force his way back into contention in the near future.

"Chris is making smashing progress and he should be able to get into a competitive match situation by the end of September," confirmed physio Andy Jones.

"If he continues to progress then he should get a run-out in either an A team or a B team fixture. Then he will be able to think about stepping up his recovery still further."

Vinnicombe - currently on a week-to-week contract - has suffered two major injuries since Jimmy Mullen paid Glasgow Rangers £200,000 for the reliable left-back in the summer of 1994. The defender was ruled out for four months after breaking his jaw at Reading the same year and fractured his ankle at Wycombe Wanderers last March.

Meanwhile, big defender Vince Overson is also making 'steady progress' from the calf injury which has forced the player to miss the first three weeks of Burnley's season.

Overson returned to light training this week, although it is unlikely he will be involved at any level for a further week.

Manager Adrian Heath confirmed: "Vince is improving and we are monitoring the situation on a day-to-day basis.

"But we are guarding against bringing Vince back too early. We want him completely fit before we are going to risk him."

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