MICKY Mellon has staked his claim for a first-team call-up for Burnley's trip to struggling Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

The Clarets midfielder has had limited opportunities so far this season and is yet to start a senior game.

However, he produced an excellent performance for an hour in Burnley's Worthington Cup tie against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night to give manager Stan Ternent a selection poser.

Mellon said: "I'm still not 100 per cent fit but I was delighted to get a chance.

"I've been patient and just waited for my chance and we'll see what happens.

"We've got a big squad and good players here. It's no disgrace not to be in the side when there are people like Kevin Ball and Paul Cook playing in my position.

"Now hopefully I've given the manager something to think about."

He added: "I could still be a lot fitter but I was pleased, although I was more pleased we came back to put ourselves back in the tie, to be honest."

Glen Little will also hope to be back in the side as he is expected to be fit for the trip to the McAlpine Stadium after missing the 2-2 draw against Palace with a shoulder problem.

However, the game could come too soon for Paul Weller as he recovers from an abductor muscle strain.

Paul Crichton should also return in goal, although Greek international Nikoloas Michopolous had an impressive debut and must be close to earning a contract. Meanwhile, defender Dean West stepped up his comeback in the reserves last night.

West played his first game of the season following back and knee injuries, while Chris Brass and Paul Smith also enjoyed 90 minute run-outs in the 4-1 defeat by West Brom as they head back to full fitness following injury.

Alan Lee, who was back on the bench in mid-week, scored Burnley's goal to make it four for the season in the reserves.

"The lads have been good as gold because the side has been doing quite well and playing reasonably well.

"I explained to them that we need a squad of players. Any player worth his salt wants to be playing week-in, week-out in the first team.

"But I'm not in a position to do that.

"Basically the situation is that if they aren't happy with it then they come and see me, but up to Press nobody has done that so I take it that they are happy to be part of it.

"If they do come and see me then two things would come into the equation, a replacement and transfer fee. Maybe one, maybe neither.

"But every team now with the number of matches to play, the injury situation, the suspension and loss of form situation I need to carry that squad of players.

"We need 16 in any match for the bare bones so you are looking at a squad of 20-plus straight-away. That's the way it is and I'm sure the lads are well aware of it.