BURNLEY RES 0, MAN UTD RES 1

CHRIS McCann made a welcome return from injury in last night's late defeat to Manchester United reserves.

The Dubliner's debut Premier League campaign has been blighted by knee problems since September.

His recovery from cruciate and medial knee ligament damage, sustained in the home win over Sunderland, was shortlived as he pulled up early on in the second game of his comeback, at Bolton, in January.

Scans revealed a cartilage problem that was expected to heal itself, but surgery was ultimately required and there were fears that would rule him out for the rest of the season.

However, Brian Laws last week indicated that McCann had demonstrated an impressive speed of recovery, and after the 22-year-old came through more than 45 minutes at Turf Moor he may have forced himself into the onlooking manager's thoughts for Saturday's penultimate Premier League game at Birmingham City.

Ironically, it was a knee injury picked up by attacking midfielder Alex MacDonald that paved the way for McCann's comeback towards the end of a quiet first half.

Ed Williams had earlier replaced Kevin Long, after the defender came off worst in a crunching tackle with winger Etzaz Hussain.

Diego Penny was forced into save with just minute on the clock, but goalmouth action was largely at a premium for both sides for the rest of the half.

Alex-Ray Harvey tried a trio of speculative shots from outside the box before the break, but only hit the target with his final attempt, which Ron-Robert Zeiler saved, while MacDonald saw a looping header drop over the bar before his exit.

Although McCann will be disappointed his introduction came as a result of a team-mate's misfortune, he was delighted to be back on the pitch, showing an assured touch and organising the young Clarets in a central midfield partnership with the lively Harvey.

Wes Fletcher almost made the breakthrough for Burnley in the 66th minute after battling his way through United's backline but rolled his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Adam Kay should have won at in the final two minutes, but scuffed his finish at the end of a flowing move, before substitute Michael King headed Harvey's free kick into Zeiler's hands.

United countered quickly, and Larnell Cole struck a late blow beyond Diego Penny.

BURNLEY RES: Diego Penny; Curtis Woods, Neil Yadolahi, Kevin Long (Ed Williams 26), Jake McEneaney; Adam Kay, Chris Anderson, Alex-Ray Harvey, Alex MacDonald (Chris McCann 43); Jay Rodriguez, Wes Fletcher (Michael King 73).

Subs not used: Daniel MacDonald, Dominic Knowles.

MAN UTD RES: Ron-Robert Zeiler, Michael Keane, Joe Dudgeon (Michele Fornasier 78), Corry Evans, Oliver Gill (Robert Brady 63), Larnell Cole, Cameron Stewart, Rodrigo Possebon, Jessie Lingard, Oliver Norwood, Etzaz Hussain John Cofie 63).

Subs not used: Sam Johnstone, Charni Ekangamene.