BURNLEY have been forced into another left back change for this afternoon's game at Birmingham City, with Danny Lafferty ruled out with a tight hamstring three weeks after Ben Mee suffered medial knee ligament damage.

On-loan Reading defender Joseph Mills, who started the season at left back, returns to the back four, along with Michael Duff following last week's one-match ban.

Chris McCann is also restored to midfield after suspension, and is set to occupy a deeper midfield role alongside Dean Marney, with Danny Ings retaining his place in the side following his first start last week.

The Clarets face former captain Steven Caldwell, who skippers a young Birmingham side containing six 19-year-olds.

The Blues are without Marlon King for the festive period following a knee injury, Papa Bouba Diop (hamstring) and Paul Robinson, who was taken ill overnight.

BIRMINGHAM: Jack Butland; Will Packwood, Steven Caldwell, Curtis Davies, Mitch Hancox; Rob Hall, Callum Reilly, Hayden Mullins, Ravel Morrison, Peter Lovenkrands, Nikola Zigic.

Subs: Colin Doyle, Pablo Ibanez, Emmitt Delfouneso, Wade Elliott, Morgaro Gomis, Chris Burke, Nathan Redmond.

BURNLEY: Lee Grant; Kieran Trippier, Michael Duff, Jason Shackell, Joseph Mills; Dean Marney Chris McCann; Ross Wallace, Danny Ings, Martin Paterson; Charlie Austin.

Subs: Brian Jensen, Sam Vokes, Junior Stanislas, David Edgar, Marvin Bartley, Keith Treacy, Kevin Long.