Burnley boss Steve Cotterill has also revealed that Michael Duff will not be allowed to link up with Northern Ireland unless he recovers from the calf injury which ruled him out of last weekend's clash with Luton.

Duff, 27, has been included in Lawrie Sanchez's squad to face World Cup qualifiers Portugal at Windsor Park next Tuesday, November 15, in a friendly as part of the IFA's 125th anniversary celebrations.

But Cotterill insists club must come before country if there are any question marks over the former Cheltenham defender's fitness.

"If the game was this week then Michael would have no chance," said Cotterill. "He is not fit at the moment, but the Irish squad does not meet up until the weekend, so it's still a little early to decide.

"Obviously we would be delighted if he could travel, but if Michael is not fully fit then we won't be letting him go because that last thing we can afford is to risk him being out for something like six weeks."