Michael Duff faces a race against time to face the Foxes after withdrawing from the Northern Ireland squad with an ankle injury.

The former Cheltenham defender had linked up with the Irish for tomorrow night's friendly against Portugal after recovering from the calf injury that forced him to miss Burnley's thrilling 3-2 victory at Luton last time out.

However a turned ankle forced his withdrawal yesterday and Duff will now undergo intensive treatment at Turf Moor ahead of the weekend, when Burnley are already hampered by the loss of skipper Frank Sinclair, who misses the meeting with his former club through suspension.

"Michael turned his ankle last Friday and hopefully he will be alright, but we just have to wait and see," said Cotterill, whose players returned to full training yesterday after enjoying a mini-break.

Graham Branch, meanwhile, continues to make progress from the knee injury that has sidelined him for six games.

* (blob) Burnley have announced details of a special ticket offer for the forthcoming game against Watford at Turf Moor on Saturday, December 17.

Prices for the Championship game - Burnley's last before Christmas - have been reduced to £10 for adults and £5 for concessions in all areas.

Tickets are on sale now, either at the Turf Moor ticket office, at burnleyfc.com or by phoning 0870 443 1914.