CLARETS captain Steven Caldwell has declared himself fit for Burnley’s relegation battle, after overcoming the worst injury of his career.

The 29-year-old has already missed more than five months in total with a recurring complex groin and abdominal problem that he feared would end his season.

But he is ready to put his injury nightmare behind him and push for a starting place against Manchester City on Saturday, after coming through his first full game since December in Monday night’s reserve derby with Blackburn Rovers.

Burnley were criticised for a lack of fighting spirit during Sunday’s senior East Lancashire clash at Turf Moor, which they lost 1-0.

But Caldwell, who has endured a frustrating watching brief while his team-mates have slipped further into relegation trouble, believes they are still capable of fighting their way out.

“I think there’s plenty of fight,” said the skipper.

“People are a little bit lacking in confidence but that’s what happens when you don’t win games.

“We’ve not won enough games or collected enough points. But I can still see the same players who have won so many big games, both last season and this.

“We’ve done it before and we can do it again. We’re still a good team, and we need to remember that.”

Burnley have picked up only four points from a possible 36 since Owen Coyle quit for Bolton in January, but Caldwell admitted the players were behind under-fire manager Brian Laws.

“Of course,” he said. “It’s our job to go out there and play football, it doesn’t matter if it’s Owen Coyle or Brian Laws or anyone else in charge. We go out there and do our best because we all want to stay in this league and we’re trying extremely hard to win games.

“I’ve felt for the lads because I’ve seen some great performances that have resulted in defeats, and some not so good ones.

“We’ve got six games to make a difference.

“There’s no point dwelling on the past, we need to start winning games soon. We need to focus on Manchester City on Saturday, which is a big game for both clubs.”

And Caldwell is desperate to play his part.

“I had my doubts that it would happen, but the physios had confidence in me and thankfully they were right. I’ve got a lot to thank them for,” said the Scotland international, who at his lowest point had to get on his hands and knees just to be able to get out of bed.

“That was pretty worrying. There were some quite dark times when I think back. It’s such big season for the club and for myself, so I’m disappointed to have missed so many games. But now I’m trying to stay positive and stay focused and hopefully it will make me better in the long run.”

Caldwell, who missed the start of the season after getting injured during Scotland’s World Cup qualifier with Norway in August - on his international recall, suffered a setback two months after he returned to the side.

“I just want to play on Saturday now, but that’s the gaffer’s decision to make,” he said.

“The game on Monday was a big milestone for me. It’s been a long time and felt like it was never going to come, so to be out there running about and feeling pain free was brilliant.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing in proper games now.

“Time’s running out for me this season.

“I want to be back in sooner rather than later and bring my qualities to the team.”