Burnley manager Owen Coyle has a defensive headache ahead of Saturday's Lancashire derby against Preston North End.

Coyle revealed that although Clarke Carlisle's injury picked up in last night's home defeat to QPR is not too serious, he is ruled out of the match.

Fellow defenders Michael Duff and Steven Caldwell are already on the injury-list.

Coyle said: "I would think Clarke will be alright in the long term.

"He certainly won't be alright for Saturday though.

"He knew the hamstring went straight away, but Chris McCann went back in there and showed what a fantastic player he is.

But Coyle added: "If people are missing, it provides others with an opportunity to say 'You know what, I am the guy to stay in the team'."