BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe has not ruled out a return for Jay Rodriguez before the end of the season, but says Martin Paterson is unlikely to play again this term after suffering a secondary hamstring injury.

Top scorer Rodriguez has missed the last five games with a groin injury, and there were fears he would not feature again.

But ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Coventry City, Howe says the striker is making good progress.

However, the Clarets boss stressed he would not put the 22-year-old at risk.

“He’s not far away. He’s working hard. It’s the type of injury we need to make sure he’s not getting and niggles,” said Howe.

“He played at Ipswich when he perhaps shouldn’t have done.

“He pushed himself when we weren’t aware that he was still feeling the injury.

“Hopefully we’ll see him before the end of the season, but we can’t guarantee that.”

The Burnley boss is less hopeful of Paterson’s chances of an end-of-season comeback.

The striker was sidelined for the first four months of the season with a thigh injury he picked up on the opening day against Watford.

Soon after returning to action in December he suffered a slight hamstring tear that kept him out for a further month.

Paterson marked his second comeback with the second goal in the 2-2 draw at home to West Ham, but broke down again in their next game, at Portsmouth.

“It's just a little niggly one, but with his recent history I don't think we'll take any chances with Pato. I don't think we'll see him before the end of the season,” said Howe.

“We just need to make sure he looks after himself over the summer and gets himself right for next year.

“It's a real shame for him. I've been there myself when you get a long-term injury and you get fit from that and you come back and you get another little niggle, which isn't necessarily related to the injury but your body takes time to adjust to the rigours training and playing.

“It's a huge blow to him as it's been a huge blow to us, because I think you only see the best of a player when they're injury free and have a run of 10-20 games.

“That's when you find your form.”

He added: “It's been incredibly difficult for Pato, but I have to say he's kept his head and his attitude has been right.

“We'd love to see him have a break and play some games.”