BURN:EY manager Owen Coyle will have centre half Clarke Carlisle available again for Saturday clash with Southampton.

It follows his suspension for a late red card in the derby defeat to Preston North End, which the defender described as "inexcusable".

"There's nothing worse than missing games, especially when you're fit and well, and it's just a rash incident keeping you out.

"It's almost like penance," the 28-year-old said.

"And it's frustrating to see the season virtually come to an end and you can't help in that final push.

"It was against my home town team and I like nothing more than putting one over on them.

"But I don't know what happened. It was very unlike me to do something like that.

"Whether it was the added pressure of having all my friends and family in the crowd I don't know, but what I did was inexcusable."

Carlisle is hoping to return to the starting line-up against Southampton on Saturday, but faces added competition from fit-again Michael Duff.

And he is full of admiration for the way in which the former Cheltenham defender, who was named on the bench last weekend, has recovered from the multiple knee ligament damage he suffered at the end of September.

"It's fantastic to have him back," said Carlisle.

"He is a player of quality and another one of those who consistently produces week in, week out.

"I'm sure I'm not the first to say we've missed his ability in the side and the squad all season.

"It's great to have him back and it's almost like signing a new player with the length of time he's been out.

"He's done fantastically well to get into this position considering the injury that he's had.

"And the fact that he has made such a rapid recovery will help him confidence-wise as well.

"It's a psychological boost, and the next few matches are almost like the time he shouldn't have had."

Coyle may also have Alan Mahon and Jon Harley available after injury.

Mahon was sidelined for the visit of Sheffield United with a knee problem, while Harley, who has missed only one game under Coyle, had suffered a hamstring strain.

"They have made improvements since last weekend and will both train today and do a light session, and hopefully join in the with the first team before the weekend," said the Burnley boss.