DANNY Karbassiyoon and Wade Elliott both handed Burnley a huge fitness boost in last night's reserve team game with Preston North End.

The duo stepped up their comebacks by playing 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw at the Interlink Express Stadium, which maintains Mark Yates' side's unbeaten start to the season.

But more importantly, it was another step towards first team action for Karbassiyoon, who has yet to kick a ball for the first team since joining from Arsenal this summer.

And Elliott, who suffered a recurrence of a badly sprained ankle at Plymouth Argyle three weeks ago, could now be back in contention when Leeds United pitch up at Turf Moor for the Championship clash a week on Saturday.

Yates said: "There were a lot of pleasing things from last night's game. A lot of the younger lads came in and did well and obviously it was good for Danny and Wade to both get 90 minutes.

"That's all good for the first team squad and we are looking a lot healthier as a result."

Former Bournemouth winger Elliott had Burnley's best chance of a drab goalless draw with North End, dancing through the North End defence early in the game and seeing his fierce close range shot superbly saved by Andy Lonergan.

Karbassiyoon, making only his second start for the club following a pelvic problem that has plagued him since the summer, had a quieter game on a night when recent signing from AFC Telford, Duane Courtney, also featured alongside the club's youngsters.

However, Preston carved out most of the half-chances in the Pontin's League game, with Dickson Etuhu's first half header being cleared off the line by Rob Henry.

Then, as North End's threat grew after the break, Joe Anyinsah cut in from the right in the 65th minute to force a fine save from goalkeeper Mark Crossley at his near post.

Seconds later, Eric Skora whipped a 25-yard free kick off the outside angle of bar and post and Adam Nowland was inches away from winning it for the visitors with an audacious effort from 40 yards that was inches too high.