Burnley forwards Charlie Austin and Martin Paterson could both make their comebacks from injury next weekend.
Strikers play in training ground friendly
Burnley forwards Charlie Austin and Martin Paterson could both make their comebacks from injury next weekend after coming through a behind-closed-doors match unscathed.
Paterson has not played for the Championship club since picking up a thigh injury in the opening game of the season, while has Austin been out for the last three weeks after dislocating his shoulder.
Former Swindon forward Austin completed 90 minutes of the friendly with Crewe at the club's training ground on Tuesday while Paterson opened the scoring in the 4-2 win.
Their return is a timely boost for the Eddie Howe's men, who have risen to 10th after winning their last three games and are eyeing an assault on the play-off places over the busy upcoming festive period.
"Both players came through fine. Martin looked really sharp, scored a great goal and linked well with Charlie, so he is really knocking on the door now," said the Burnley boss.
"Charlie had a couple of falls and he was his usual aggressive self, so it's so far so good. His is one of those injuries that you just can't protect in a game because natural instincts will take over, so we just hope that he stays fit and carries on as he has been.
"I think we will see how they feel on Wednesday. In terms of match fitness Charlie is closer than Martin, just because he's played the games, but Martin looked really sharp and I just think it's a huge day for Burnley in terms of hopefully getting two strikers back to fitness."
