BURNLEY defender Michael Duff could be just a month away from a first-team return.

It was feared the 6ft 2in stopper would be sidelined for the rest of the season when he suffered multiple knee ligament damage after he had scored in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at the end of September.

The Northern Ireland international was due to undergo two lots of surgery - the first to repair a damaged lateral ligament, while the second operation, on his cruciate ligament, was scheduled to take place in December.

But when the consultant assessed Duff's knee beforehand, it was discovered the ligament had begun to heal itself, thereby hastening his recovery.

"I don't want to push him ahead or pre-empt anything, but Michael Duff has now trained for a week with us, and I'm hopeful he'll start getting half an hour of a game soon and start to build it up," said delighted manager Owen Coyle.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but if we can get Michael Duff back in a month's time, that's the addition of a top-class player to your team.

"He's been out for a period of time, so we won't rush him now. We'll make sure he comes back at the right time."

Duff's injury came soon after summer signing Besart Berisha was diagnosed with cruciate knee ligament damage.

That problem did require surgery, but Coyle added that he is making good progress.

He added: "We're looking towards the end of the season with Besart, but all credit to him, he's kept his spirits up and he couldn't have a better physio to work with than Mitch (Andy Mitchell).

"I've been impressed with his work ethic."