BURNLEY'S powerhouse defender Vince Overson could be out of action for a further fortnight.

The ex-Stoke City skipper has not kicked a ball since his return to Turf Moor a month ago.

But Overson's troublesome calf injury has made progress this week and manager Adrian Heath confirmed: "Vince is on the mend but he will need a good week's training before he will be able to be considered for the squad.

"He's very keen to play as soon as he can but we're not going to take any unnecessary risks with him.

"If we rush him back and he suffers a setback we could lose him for months rather than weeks. We've got a long season ahead and we want Vince around."

Heath hoped to have Overson back in contention for tomorrow's difficult trip to Millwall but that proved a premature hope with the Clarets centre-half still at least a week away from full fitness.

Midfielder Damian Matthew could force his way back into Heath's starting line-up at the New Den.

Matthew is fit again following a groin injury and Heath includes him in the Clarets squad for a fixture he rates as one of the toughest of the season.

Heath added: "We know it's going to be very difficult down there. Millwall is one of the most intimidating grounds in the country to visit and they always make it very difficult for you. "It's not going to be easy, but we will be ready for it and will approach the game in the same way as we have with each game so far.

"I'm not going to dwell on the Shrewsbury game. That is history now. The players showed enough in the first three games to offer me a lot of optimism."

Heath was frustrated in his bid to add a fresh face to his squad today and added: "We couldn't fix it up in time. Everyone knows that a striker is high on my list of priorities, and we have made several phone calls and are likely to hold more talks over the weekend."

Burnley from: Beresford, Parkinson, Eyres, Harrison, Winstanley, Hoyland, Weller, Thompson, Nogan, Cooke, Gleghorn, Robinson, Brass, Matthew, Russell (GK).

Millwall from: Carter, Newman, Harle, Bowry, Witter, Stevens, Webber, Savage, Malkin, Crawford, Dair, Hartley, Sinclair, Neill, Rogan.

Burnley are expected to announce a major new sponsorship deal at a Turf Moor press conference on Monday.

Heath has denied he is ready to move for Birmingham City's transfer-listed striker Ian Muir. "There is no interest from us," added Heath.

Burnley's B team take on Manchester City at Gawthorpe tomorrow (11.00am). The A team are at Marine.

Payment can be made at the turnstiles at the New Den. The match is NOT all-ticket. £12 (Adult) and £6 (conc).

Burnley want to remind fans that they have reduced admission prices for Tuesday's Coca-Cola Cup first round, second leg tie against Mansfield Town. The Clarets will open two-thirds of the new East stand for the tie.

Prices: Bob Lord Stand £10 and £5 (conc), North Stand upper tier £12 and £6 (conc), North Stand lower tier £10 and £5 (conc), East Stand £8 and £4 (Conc), Endsleigh Stand £8 and £4 (Conc). Tickets for the Lancashire derby clash against Blackpool on September 10 will go on sale tomorrow.

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