Beresford set for dramatic return

Burnley's number one goalkeeper has stepped up his training schedule this week and is expected to feature in tomorrow's Pontins League clash at Manchester City.

Now, providing he suffers no reaction over the next 72 hours, Beresford should return for the Clarets at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

It would be a remarkable comeback for Beresford after first estimates had ruled the £1 million-rated goalkeeper out of action until at least April.

Burnley had initially hoped that Beresford could successfully play through the pain barrier and complete the season after a specialist diagnosed hernia trouble in early January.

But it quickly became apparent that the goalkeeper could not carry on after the hernia affected his mobility and surgery was carried out on January 27. Beresford said: "I feel great and training has gone very well indeed. I can't wait to get back into action."

If Beresford does get the nod at Bristol, he will return to a Burnley side who have won only one League game in 1996 and are desperate for a string of results to rescue their season from a relegation struggle.

Beresford has not featured in first team action since the 1-0 defeat at Rotherham United on January 20. Caretaker manager Clive Middlemass added: "There is a good possibility that Marlon will be back at the weekend and his chances are increasing every day. We hope to play him in the reserves tomorrow. He is not far away."

Burnley fans who plan to travel to tomorrow's reserve team fixture against Manchester City should note that the game will take place at Witton Albion and NOT at Maine Road.

Witton, who play at Wincham Park in the Unibond League, are based at Northwich in Cheshire.

A City official explained: "We are playing the rest of our second team matches at Witton because we want to protect the Maine Road pitch after such a harsh winter."

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