Captain Alexander set to return for Clarets

Graham Alexander is poised to make his return from injury when Burnley host Portsmouth in the Premier League tomorrow.

The player-coach has been out for a month with a calf strain but has been training this week and is nearing full fitness.

Chris McCann has also missed the last four games with a knee problem and is in line to feature for the reserves next week, although the Pompey match has come too soon.

Clarke Carlisle will take his place in defence after scans revealed he did not break a toe against Aston Villa last weekend, while Stephen Jordan and Steven Caldwell remain doubtful and Christian Kalvenes is out.

On-loan striker David Nugent is ineligible to play against his parent club, so Martin Paterson is expected to deputise.

Team (from): Jensen, Alexander, Mears, Fox, Carlisle, Bikey, Cort, Eagles, Edgar, Elliott, Cork, McDonald, Paterson, Fletcher, Blake, Thompson, Duff, Penny, Gudjonsson, Eckersley, Nimani, Weaver.