Burnley are sweating on the fitness of midfielders Garreth O'Connor (ankle ligaments) and Graham Branch (hamstring) for the Turf Moor clash with Reading, who have lost just two league games all season.

Their combined absence could open up a left-sided role for Danny Karbassiyoon, who has yet to start a game for the Clarets following last summer's move form Arsenal.

The American youngster has found himself stuck on the substitutes bench since recovering from a mysterious hip injury that wrecked his pre-season and the early months of the Championship campaign.

But Karbassiyoon, who got his longest run out of the season as a substitute for Branch at Coventry last weekend, could at last get the chance to take out his frustration against Steve Coppell's high-flyers.

"Danny's waited a long time for his opportunity and he's been very patient, but he's had to wait because the people in front of him have arguably done better," said assistant boss Dave Kevan.

"But he had a little taste of it last weekend and hopefully that's whetted his appetite.

"Now he needs to grasp that opportunity now and show that little bit of frustration he may have had by turning in one or two performances."

Kevan added: "Danny is a good lad and he's just been a little unfortunate that he hasn't played more football at first team level.

"We've come a long way since he had his injury, and we're looking for him now to take up the mantle and stamp his authority on that left side.

"He's trained well and been an absolute pleasure on the training ground, so he deserves an opportunity. But for all that happens on the training ground it's what happens on a Saturday that players will be judged on."