CAPTAIN Steven Caldwell knows the armband has been in safe hands with Graham Alexander, but he desperate to reclaim it and lead Burnley’s survival charge against former club Sunderland tomorrow.

The 29-year-old is fighting fit after recovering from a complicated abdominal and groin problem which has dogged him since last year.

Playing through the pain barrier during the Clarets’ promotion season has ultimately cost him his place, and fitness, during most of their debut Premier League campaign.

But the Scotland international’s comeback has come at a time when they need all hands on deck to stave off the drop. And he is determined to do his bit to avoid suffering a second relega-tion.

Caldwell went down with the Black Cats a season after being promoted as champions in 2006/07. They had accrued just 15 points – a then record Premier League low.

But the central defender knows he is pushing for a recall into a Clarets side that still has a chance to stay up, and has urged them to continue the momentum from last week’s first away win at Hull City.

“It was a bad time at Sunderland. We started off quite poorly and nothing happened for us,” said Caldwell.

“The inevitably of relegation came quite early for us and it was a horrible feeling playing eight to 10 games knowing we were getting relegated.

“We had gone up as champions and were comfortably the best team in the end that season. To have such a bad Premier League season was disappointing.

“It’s not an experience I’d like to have again, but I dont think (this) is the same as that year at Sunderland.

“We have always been in touch with teams. We were on quite a bad run and last week was our first away win, but we’ve always felt that a win or two and we could put ourselves right into the mix.

"We managed to get that against a team near us, which dragged us above them.

“We’re close to a number of teams just above us.

“We have to back up (tomorrow) with another victory.

"It’s a huge game against a very difficult team but we have to treat it like a cup final and get the first goal.”

Although Caldwell insists he hasn’t found it hard to stay positive in a difficult season for the team, and personally, not being able to influence matters on the field has been a huge source of frustration.

He had no doubts about vice captain Alexander’s leadership skills in his absence, but he is eager to make up for lost time in the final four games.

“Grezza’s a tremendous captain and a tremendous man.

“The armband’s definitely been in safe hands but yes, I want it back.

"I love it, I love having it. I hope that I have it back very soon,” said Caldwell, who almost 12 months ago admitted he visualised walking up the Wembley steps to receive a play-off winners’ medal.

His goal now is more short-term, but he hopes it leads to long-term success for Burnley.

“First and foremost I want to get back in the team. I want to be playing the last four games.

"It’s really important for me that I get back in the team, so hopefully that’s going to be (tomorrow).

“Once that comes I’ll try to bring whatever I can to help the lads and make sure we try to win the game.”