Steven Caldwell could make a welcome return to action with a run-out in the reserves this week.

The Clarets' skipper has been sidelined since before Christmas with a recurrence of a pelvic problem that has dogged him all season.

But boss Brian Laws has penciled in a possible return for the defender against Manchester United reserves on Thursday night.

"Steven has made good progress and it looks like he may get a reserve game this week," Laws confirmed.

With just seven games left time is running out for Caldwell to make an impact but Laws hopes the 29-year-old will still have a part to play this season.

"I hope so, not just for the club's sake but for his sake as well," added the Clarets' chief.

"He's been out for a long time and I haven't seen him play. That's the downside and the disappointment for me.

"I hope he does make it to towards the end of the season because it will nice to get him involved and you need leaders, particularly in the battle we have ahead of us."

Steven Caldwell could return for reserves

Caldwell has praised the work of physio team Andy Mitchell and Luke Bussey in getting to the bottom of a troublesome injury which first flared up on international duty last August.

And after returning to training at the end of last week is now looking to step up his comeback bid.

"I am very excited to be back. It's been a very difficult injury to take, mentally more than physically," said Caldwell.

"It's been a long road but I'm at a stage now where hopefully I can get running around and start pushing myself in the manager's face and hopefully get a game soon."

Laws has also earmarked Thursday's reserve game at Accrington for Chris McCann's return with the midfielder needing to play to have a chance of proving his fitness for the end-of-season run-in.