DEAN Marney has returned to the Burnley squad for the first time since February, but Sam Vokes misses this afternoon’s game against former club Brighton.

It was hoped the striker would have recovered from the groin strain that forced his early exit at Wolves a fortnight ago.

But after a late fitness test the decision was taken not to risk the Wales international.

Rouwen Hennings will therefore take his place alongside top scorer Andre Gray up front, while Marney is named on the seven-strong bench.

The midfielder has been absent since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury against West Brom in the Premier League last season.

After a number of appearances for Burnley’s development squad Marney is fit enough to return to first team action, but must bide his time behind the current central midfield partnership of Joey Barton and David Jones.

 

BURNLEY: Tom Heaton; Tendayi Darikwa, Michael Duff, Michael Keane, Ben Mee; George Boyd, Joey Barton, David Jones, Scott Arfield; Andre Gray, Rouwen Hennings.

Subs: Matt Gilks, Stephen Ward, Michael Kightly, Matt Taylor, Matt Lowton, Chris Long, Dean Marney.

 

BRIGHTON: David Stockdale; Bruno, Lewis Dunk, Gordon Greer, Liam Rosenior; Solly March, Beram Kayal, Dale Stephens, Jamie Murphy; Bobby Zamora, Tomer Hamed.

Subs: Niki Maenpaa, Connor Goldson, Elvis Manu, Danny Holla, Jake Forster-Caskey, Adam Chicksen, Daniel Akindayini.