STEVE Cotterill admits he won't take any risks getting leading marksman Andy Gray back to full health.

Injured Gray is poised for a second X-ray next week as he makes good progress from a triple-metatarsal break to his right foot.

The Clarets top scorer, who has struck 10 Championship goals this season, suffered the break in the 2-1 victory over Leeds at Turf Moor on November 28.

His foot is currently in a special boot and Gray has also spent time in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to help speed up the healing process.

It was originally feared the injury would keep the Scotland international sidelined until February.

Clarets boss Cotterill is hopeful that the methods used to aid Gray will bring forward his return to action, but he insists every care is being taken to ensure a perfect recovery.

"We are pleased with Andy's progress over the past three weeks," said Cotterill.

"He has another week before he is X-rayed again and we will see where we go from there.

"He is still in the oxygen chamber three times a week and that just speeds up the healing process.

"The quicker those bones knit together while he is in the special boot, the better.

"It is four weeks next week and quite probably, if I was given a choice now I would want him in that boot again for another two weeks, so he does the full six weeks.

"We would hate him to come out of it early and something happen. For the sake of another two weeks, we don't want another prolonged injury."

Cotterill is counting his blessings that, due to Gray's injury, the 29-year-old hitman will not become the third Burnley striker in as many years, following Robbie Blake and Ade Akinbiyi, to be sold in the January transfer window.

He added: "At least we won't be selling Andy Gray because he can't get his boots on at the moment.

"I wouldn't say we are delighted at what happened, but Andy would probably be on a dozen goals now and normally when strikers get that many, people start sniffing around. They have here anyway."

Kyle Lafferty and Gifton Noel-Williams have performed well in Gray's absence and the strike duo will look to be on top form as the Clarets host second-placed Derby at Turf Moor tomorrow.

Cotterill said: "It's a game we are looking forward to. There is a worry as regards a couple of people who picked up injuries on Monday - we have to wait and see how they are."