WHILE the rest of the division casts an envious eye over Burnley's recent away form, manager Owen Coyle can't help but wish for a slice of tomorrow's opponents' home fortunes.

Ipswich Town are unbeaten in 11 games at Portman Road this season.

But although the Clarets go into the game hoping to recover from back-to-back defeats to Championship strugglers Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End at Turf Moor, the Tractor Boys won't relish the task of preserving their Portman record against a team who have taken maximum points from their last four trips to Leicester City, Watford, Charlton Athletic and Wolves.

"If we had Ipswich's home form and our away form, we'd be miles clear at the top of the Championship!" mused Coyle.

"As it is, I think that's what's intriguing about the game.

"We'll go there in good heart. We were bitterly disappointed with the two games we lost last week, because we felt they were games we could have won, and probably should have, but that's behind us now.

"This is a great game to go and play; their record is 10 wins and a draw at home, which is remarkable, and all credit to them because they are showing they are a very good side. But again, we know we have players who can cause problems to the opposition."

Even making the 236-mile journey down to East Anglia without influential midfielder Chris McCann and Joey Gudjonsson doesn't dampen Coyle's enthusiasm.

Both were sent off in the second half of last weekend's derby defeat to Preston, while Alan Mahon and Kyle Lafferty will be carefully monitored in the build-up after they were forced out of the game early with knocks.

"It will be a late decision because of personnel and who we've got available, but whoever is playing will give their maximum in terms of commitment, and if their ability kicks in after that, then we've got a chance of winning. Absolutely!" rallied Coyle.

"Nobody gave us a chance going to Watford, Charlton and Wolves, so write us off at your peril!"

Although the Burnley boss finds the midfield area depleted by two certain suspensions and two potential injury casualties, he has been boosted by the fact Steven Caldwell is making haste on the road to recovery from a thigh tendon problem that has ruled him out for two months.

The Clarets captain played 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday, and marked his comeback by scoring in a 1-1 draw.

"I think when you've been out for any period of time and you come back into training, it's great to be training, but I think you don't really know that you've recovered until you go and play," said Coyle.

"As much as it was a closed door game, it was a proper game.

"It was really competitive, there was an edge to it, and Bolton had some top players playing; Joey O'Brien, Stelios, (Christian) Wilhelmsson.

"There were some real good players on show and that's what gave it that competitive edge, and I was pleased with how he did.

"We'll see if there's any reaction but he certainly looked comfortable, his movement was great and it was very pleasing.

"He played 90 minutes and scored, Stephen Jordan got another 90 minutes under his belt, Ade Akinbiyi, Steve Jones, John Spicer, so it was really beneficial.

"They did very well and they applied themselves well and I was very pleased with them."