Burnley manager Scott Parker issues team news ahead of Stoke City match

Speaking ahead of the Clarets’ trip to Stoke City, Parker said the 35 year-old striker’s fitness remained strong despite starting the last two games.

“I’m hopeful, of course I am,” Parker said. “When you look at his physical numbers after games they are superb. He’s been brilliant the last couple of games. We’ll have to keep managing him but he’d be the first to say keep me going.

“I’m realy pleased but like all players we’ll have to keep an eye on them considering the number of games.”

Parker also revealed that fellow striker Zian Flemming was nearing a return to action, and gave an update on long-term absentee, Belgian midfielder Mike Trésor.

“Flem’s moving in the right direction, he’s edging closer, I don’t know where we’ll be regarding the weekend. Mikey has been a little bit stop-start over the last few weeks. We’ll see every weekend that comes how close he is in terms of selection.”

Burnley currently sit in third, just two points outside the automatic promotion places, a position secured in no little way because of the team’s solid defensive foundations conceding just six goals so far this season, less than any other in the professional pyramid.

Parker said: “The defensive unit has done extremely well, not just the back five, all the players have been rock solid. Players coming back have had to sit from afar. Long season, susensions and injuries, so our other boys will be ready if they need to step in.”