INJURED captain Steven Caldwell has only led the team out for battle 10 times this season, but manager Brian Laws says the 29-year-old is still rallying the troops in the dressing room.

A recurrence of a groin injury that delayed his start to the season has kept the defender sidelined since December.

But the Burnley boss insists Caldwell’s absence from the team hasn’t hindered his responsibilities as skipper.

“He’s a great leader, and he’s maintained that even off the park,” said Laws.

“He has an influence in the dressing room still. He’s not a player that switches off because he’s not involved. He goes around and is supportive with the players and has been giving a word of advice to one or two, and that’s what I want to see. I want to see everybody taking part, no matter whether you’re on the park or off the park, they have a part to play, and he certainly has a strong one.”

He added: “He’s got great respect from the players and his professionalism is unquestioned.

“He puts so many hours in. He’s put more hours in than anybody to turn it around and get himself fit, and credit to him.

“He’s really stuck at it and we’re just seeing a chink of light now where, over the last seven to 10 days, he’s had more freedom and he’s done more work in that period than he has for a long, long time.”