ANDREW Cole and Chris McCann could be set to hand manager Owen Coyle a double derby boost.

Midfielder McCann, who has missed the last three games with a groin injury, seems best placed for a recall for tomorrow's game at Preston North End, while a decision will be made on striker Cole as late as possible.

Defender Stanislav Varga may also be available after recovering from a recurrence of a foot problem that forced his early exit from last Saturday's defeat to Wolves.

"Chris McCann was able to join in training the other day so I'm hoping to have him available. Andrew Cole we'll leave until today and have a look and see if he's able to train with a view to the game," said Burnley boss.

"Stan will need to be training by today at the latest, but we'll look at it and make sure he's moving freely, and if he is he'll come into consideration for selection."

Although Michael Duff and Steve Jones are not knocking on the door for a first team return just yet, Coyle was nevertheless delighted to see them both step up their recoveries in the midweek reserves' win over Chester City.

Duff, who has been out for almost six months with multiple knee ligament damage, kept a clean sheet in his fourth second string outing, while Jones, who marked his first game for two months with a goal.

Coyle was also impressed with Manchester United youngster Ritchie Jones, who has been training with the Clarets and played the full 90 minutes.

"I thought he did very well. He's been training with us for a week and I just wanted to look at him in games, then we'll make a decision on that," said Coyle of the 21-year-old, who has previously had loan spells with Royal Antwerp, Colchester, Barnsley and Yeovil.

"At the moment he's actually contracted to another club so it would be remiss of me to be speaking about what his situation is, but he did very well, I like the look of him and we'll sit down and have a chat about that.

"It's something we're looking at."

He added: "That was Steve's first game for a long period of time, but it was good that he got the 90 minutes. We'll have to check there's no reaction to it - I don't envisage that - and if there isn't then he can start stepping up again and start pushing to get involved in things.

"Michael's getting better. I thought his timing had improved again on Wednesday night and that will just come with games and give him confidence. He'll know himself he's getting better and stronger, training every day.

"But it's one thing, with all due respect, to play against Chester Reserves and it's another to play against Preston in the derby. But he knows he's getting closer to where he wants to be, and I would envisage another couple of weeks and he'll be close to things."