STEVE Davis is line for a return to face his former boss at Turf Moor on Saturday as he continues to recover from the back injury that kept him out of action in mid-week.

The Clarets captain missed Tuesday night's defeat at Fulham after twisting awkwardly and picking up a back strain at Crystal Palace last Saturday.

But manager Stan Ternent is hopeful that the defender will be available for the visit of bottom-of-the-table Grimsby Town, now managed by former Luton Town boss Lennie Lawrence.

Ternent confirmed: "Steve had ricked his back and I could have taken a chance at Fulham.

"But it may well have been that he would missed quite a few games so I decided against that one and hopefully he will be available for selection on Saturday."

Davis was replaced as captain and sweeper at Fulham by Gordon Armstrong as he enjoyed his first start of the season.

Armstrong did an impressive job to underline the point that Ternent does have defensive cover available.

But a fully fit Davis, who also provides a threat in the opponents' penalty area, would still be a good bet to return as the mid-table Clarets seek their third League win of the season in a game Burnley fully expect to go ahead .

Football authorities were today expected to consult with their member clubs before deciding the fate of this weekend's fixture programmes in light of petrol shortages.

But with signs of the crisis easing Football League spokesman John Nagle remained bullish about the chances of an unaffected programme after the successful completion of Tuesday's fixture schedule when only one game wasn't played.

He said: "Everyone at the Football League and its clubs is acutely aware of the difficulties people are facing as a result of the current petrol shortages.

"It is a terrific tribute to the resourcefulness of English football supporters that crowds held up so well in such demanding circumstances."

Grimsby are apparently not expecting any problems in getting their team to Burnley and Clarets chief executive Andrew Watson said earlier today that the message to supporters is that the game will be on.

Meanwhile, Fulham midfielder Fabrice Fernandes could be in hot water for elbowing Paul Weller in an off-the-ball incident at Craven Cottage if the FA receive an official complaint.

An FA spokesman confirmed that they will look into the matter if asked to, although any action is likely to depend on whether the clash was captured on video.