GLEN Little's likely three-match ban could be offset by a comeback for Paul Weller following his return to training with the Clarets' first-team squad.

Little is set to miss the games against Oxford, Gillingham and Millwall following his dismissal in Saturday's 2-1 win at Cardiff City.

But Weller could be available by then to add to Stan Ternent's midfield options following his recovery from knee surgery.

Weller, who could fill the wing-back role to be vacated by Little, is not out of the manager's plans despite being on the transfer list.

And after a month on the sidelines, the versatile midfielder will be looking to regain his match sharpness and put himself in contention for a part in Burnley's crucial spell of five games in 15 days starting at Oxford on Saturday week.

"He's doing very well and he joined in training yesterday. He hasn't played any games yet but he's sure to be involved at some stage," said Ternent.

There was further good news for the Clarets yesterday when Tom Cowan also resumed training following a niggling ankle problem.

But that was tempered in the afternoon when Gordon Armstrong limped out of the reserve team's 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town, where Ternent had a first-hand look at Manchester United youngster Stephen Rose and Liverpool's 19-year-old central defender John Boardman.

It remains to be seen whether Armstrong's knock is anything serious but Ternent will have his fingers crossed that he doesn't join Andy Cooke and John Mullin on the treatment table for long. The latter pair are likely to be touch-and-go for Saturday's big game against Notts County at Turf Moor, when a win for Burnley could virtually end County's play-off hopes. "I couldn't tell you yet if they'll be fit, but they haven't been back in training. We'll have to wait and see," added Ternent.

Meanwhile, Burnley's automatic promotion hopes were given a shot in the arm last night thanks to defeats for Wigan and Bristol Rovers, although Stoke's win at Oldham means that the sides in the play-off places can't relax.

Wigan's 1-0 home defeat by Preston makes North End odds-on for the title.

However, there is now a shaft of light for the sides chasing second spot, including the Clarets who are five points behind Wigan and Rovers with a game in hand on the faltering Bristol club.

Despite seeing a run of four straight wins come to an end, Wigan manager John Benson insists the title race isn't over.

But he believes that Millwall could yet emerge from the chasing pack to threaten the promotion ambitions of the likes of Wigan and Burnley.

The former Clarets boss said: "Nobody is out of it. They (Preston) have only to lose one game and us win a couple and our game in hand.

"We still have 21 points to play for. But they are favourites without a doubt. They are seven points clear and good luck to them.

"Someone always comes with a late run as we did last year and nobodies mentioned Millwall much. But they have been there or thereabouts all season. I think they could be ones to watch."

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