Clarets defender Ian Cox is set to face Charlton Athletic tonight as he stakes his claim for an international return.

Cox has linked up with the Trinidad and Tobago squad which is in England for a training camp ahead of their Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Jamaica in a fornight's time.

The Burnley man has made one previous appearance for Trinidad but put his international career on hold following his move to Turf Moor just over a year ago as he concentrated his efforts on establishing himelf in the Clarets side and helping them to promotion.

However, coach Ian Porterfield has now brought Cox back into the fold and he is set to play a part in the game against a Charlton side at The Valley this evening.

The central defender linked up with the squad at their Surrey base after Burnley's defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday and has been joined by half-a-dozen other British-based players, including West Ham keeper Shaka Hislop, Hibernian midfielder Russell Latapy and Nottingham Forest striker Russell Latapy. Porterfield's side trained at Highbury yesterday and will step up their preparations this evening with the former Aberdeen and Chelsea boss delighted to have Cox back in his plans.

"Everyone came throught it well. This is what we came here for, to get everyone back together and ready again."

By the time Cox returns to Burnley to prepare for Saturday's trip to Grimsby Town he could be re-united with former Bournemouth team-mate Eddie Howe.

The former England under-21 defender is on his way out of Dean Court and the Clarets are thought to be leading the chase for his signature.

Like Cox before him, Howe, who has made 175 appearances for the Cherries, is rated as one of the best defenders in Division Two.

And at just 23 he is of the age and calibre of player manager Stan Ternent is trying to bring to Burnley to take the team forward.

Meanwhile, Kevin Ball was set to see the club doctor today to check his fitness after missing Saturday's game at Crystal Palace.

Ball will hope to get the all-clear to return to training ready for the weekend trip to Grimsby. INTERNATIONAL: Ian Cox SOUEY FUMES AT 'BIGHEADS' SLUR