OWEN Coyle admitted the inclusion of captain Steven Caldwell in the starting line-up at Ipswich Town on Saturday was a gamble that paid off.

The central defender had been sidelined with thigh tendon damage for two months, but returned to play his part in earning an important goalless draw at Portman Road.

"It was a big ask, he'd been out for six or seven weeks.

"He had a closed door game against Bolton during the week and he came through the 90 minutes," explained Burnley manager Coyle.

"With Clarke Carlisle out injured and the ones we had suspended, Steven came in.

"He ran until he dropped, he organised well, so he'll take immense pleasure I think from the performance.

"But the more players of that ilk that we get back in the team then the better for Burnley Football Club.""

He added: "He was a gamble in that he'd only had 90 minutes within seven weeks.

"But he's got a wealth of experience, he's been a top player.

"He was probably a gamble but one that paid off."