COMEBACK kid Gary Parkinson appears certain to reclaim the Clarets number two shirt for Saturday's testing clash against Bristol Rovers at Turf Moor.

Parkinson is fighting fit again following a full 90-minute work out in the A team game at Everton on Saturday.

And with youngster Chris Brass ruled out of contention for a fortnight with a troublesome groin injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat at Rotherham, Parkinson is ready to slot in at right back.

Manager Jimmy Mullen decided to keep the experienced Parkinson under wraps and decided not risk him in last night's 3-1 Pontins League defeat at Port Vale.

The news of Parkinson's impending return is a timely boost for the Clarets with Brass almost certainly out of the reckoning until the middle of next month.

"It proves the benefit of having a strong squad and the importance of having players to call on in every position at the club," said Mullen.

"It is a bad blow for Chris Brass because he has done us proud since he was called into the first team against Carlisle in the league last month.

"He is a young man with a lot of potential and there is a really fierce competition for this place now." He added: "But Gary Parkinson appears ready to resume after injury and he is certainly very much in contention for Saturday.

"He's got a couple of reserve and A team games under his belt now and appears quite sharp."

Parkinson has not featured in first team combat for the Clarets since tearing a hamstring in the 3-1 defeat against Shrewsbury Town at Gay Meadow way back on November 18.

Steve Thompson will visit a London specialist next week to see if he can step up his training schedule following a series of Achilles tendon operations. Burnley hope the influential midfielder will be back on first team duty by early March.

Former Clarets star Trevor Steven is set to end his career with Glasgow Rangers and sign a new contract at Ibrox.

Steven's new deal will end speculation that he is on his way out of Ibrox after being dogged by injury. The former England midfielder, who made his league debut with Burnley, has played just one match for the Scottish champions this season.

Burnley Supporters Club travel: Feb 3, Brentford: Colne 7.45, Nelson 8.00, Burnley 8.15, Rawtenstall 8.30. Members £14.00, Non-members 16.00, Conc 12.00. To book phone 01706 216457 (Day) or 01282 35176 (Evening).

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