Striking spearhead Chris Iwelmuo is on target to lead the Clarets into derby battle.

Iwelumo has been fighting to overcome a hamstring injury sustained in Burnley's first defeat of the season last time out at Swansea City at the end of last month.

And it's a battle the big striker looks to be winning in time to take on local rivals Preston North End at Turf Moor on Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm).

"Chris has had scans on his hamstring and they are all fine," confirmed boss Brian Laws.

"He has trained for the last couple of days and he's now getting up to maximum speed.

"He's obviously been a focal point of our home games, scoring two in two, so I'm sure he will be looking to get three in three."

Tyrone Mears will miss the clash with his former club as he serves a one-match ban.

Turf Moor talisman

But the Clarets are boosted by the return of defender Michael Duff as they look to extend their winning start at Turf Moor to three straight games in the televised tea-time showdown.

Duff has not played since picking up a calf injury on the opening day of the season but is back in the Burnley squad following a successful mid-week comeback in the reserves.

"Michael Duff has been able to get some work under his belt and he played in the reserves the other night, when it was great to see him back," Laws added.

"He had no reaction to his calf which is fantastic, so he's another player in the squad.

"Both of them (Duff and Iwelumo) will be available for selection, which is really good."