Wallace takes step in right direction

Comeback trail: Clarets winger Ross Wallace is easing his way towards a first team return

The Scotland cap made a 45 minute appearance for the Clarets Development Squad in their 1-0 friendly win at Wolves.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined since late August after requiring surgery to repair “wear and tear” to his knee, after starting the first four games of the season for Burnley.

In February, the former Celtic and Sunderland wide man signed a new two-year contract, running until the summer of 2015.

Wallace came through unscathed in the first half run-out that was planned as part of his New Year rehabilitation.

Boss Sean Dyche said: “Ross is continuing progress with his rehab, and we are doing that wisely and sensibly, which is why he played 45 minutes.

“We will now build that up as we, and he, feels comfortable with, in order to get him back to full fitness.

“Ross is on schedule and we want to make sure he is right and proper, and that is exactly how things are going at the moment.”

Wallace was joined in the Clarets side by left back Joseph Mills, who has returned from a successful loan spell with Oldham Athletic.

Mills also played 45 minutes.

New Zealand international Cameron Howieson was on target as Simon Weatherstone’s side defeated Wanderers.

The Burnley side at Wolves also contained Cameron Dummigan and Steve Hewitt, who were both on the bench for the Clarets’ 4-3 defeat at Premier League Southampton in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

The side was: Liversedge, Dummigan, Mills, Love, Coleman, Anderson, Evans, Hewitt, Gilchrist, Howieson, Wallace. Subs: Nizic, Errington, Conlan, Brownhill, Frost, Massanka.

However, the Scot missed from the spot as he played 75 minutes for the Development Squad away at Liverpool on Thursday.

Wallace had his penalty saved with the game still goalless before striker Jason Gilchrist opened the scoring for the Clarets. But Liverpool fought back to win the friendly 3-1.