BURNLEY midfielder Chris McCann is expected to return to full training within two weeks after suffering a health scare.

The 23-year-old, who had reconstruction surgery on his knee in the summer, has undergone a further operation to remove excess fluid from his head, the club has revealed.

The problem was diagnosed after McCann complained of repeated migraines.

He was expected to return to full training earlier this month following a check-up with his knee surgeon, but suffered a further setback to an injury-plagued two seasons.

However, manager Eddie Howe remains hopeful of working with the Dubliner at Gawthorpe within the fortnight.

“I wish Chris a very speedy recovery and I am pleased he is not far away now from returning to full training,” said the Burnley boss.

A club statement read: “Burnley Football Club can confirm that Chris McCann recently underwent a head operation to remove excess fluid, following complaints of repeated migraines.

“The minor operation, involving one overnight stay in hospital, was successful and the Irish midfielder, 23, is now back to full health and expected to return to full training within two weeks.”

Former Clarets striker Andy Lochhead revealed his shock at the news, and wished McCann a speedy recovery.

“Anything to do with your head has got to be a worry. I hope everything has gone well and there is nothing serious or long term,” said the Lancashire Telegraph columnist.

“I see him most matchdays. He’d been doing a bit of training before the lads come in on home games and he looked to be getting his fitness levels back.

“He’s had a terrible couple of seasons. He is such an exceptionally good player and his future looked rosy, then all of a sudden it’s been put on hold.

“I hope he can make a full recovery.”

Ex-Burnley winger David Eyres added: “These types of things are worrying, but only Chris will probably know the full extent of it.

“Hopefully he is on the mend now because he has had enough injuries and setbacks, especially for a young player.

“He’s probably as frustrated as anyone.

“From a fans’ point of view we just want him back on the pitch. He’s a very talented lad, a workhorse, you know what you get from him - 100 per cent - and he’s been sadly missed.”

McCann’s injury problems stretch back to the second month of Burnley’s Premier League campaign, when he suffered ligament damage in the home win against Sunderland in September 2009.

A comeback in January 2010 was shortlived, and McCann suffered another breakdown during pre-season before the decision was taken to carry out reconstructive surgery on his cruciate ligament in August.