BURNLEY manager Brian Laws has been handed a double derby day fitness boost after injured duo Chris Iwelumo and Michael Duff returned to training ahead of Saturday’s visit of Preston.

Summer signing Iwelumo was forced to pull out of Scotland’s Euro 2012 qualifiers after suffering a hamstring problem during the 1-0 defeat at Swansea in the last game, while Duff has been sidelined since the opening day win over Nottingham Forest.

The defender limped off with a calf injury after only 20 minutes.

But after a month out he is set to step up his comeback tonight by playing in the reserves’ home game against Accrington Stanley reserves at Turf Moor (kick-off 7pm).

Iwelumo will also be carefully monitored in the run-up to the televised tea-time derby with North End on Saturday.

The 32-year-old was due to have a scan last night, but Laws is hopeful of a positive outcome after he watched his striker join in with the rest of the squad at Gawthorpe yesterday “He trained at 80 per cent, so that’s a very good sign,” said Laws.

“And Duffo playing in the reserves is another bit of good news.”

Duff’s return to fitness has further added to intense competition at the back as Clarke Carlisle has established a solid partnership with Andre Bikey at centre half in the Northern Ireland defender’s absence.

There could be an opportunity for Duff at right back, as Tyrone Mears serves a one-match ban against his former club after picking up two yellow cards in the 1-0 defeat at Swansea.

However, David Edgar, who deputised at right back at Ipswich when Mears was ruled out with a shin problem, will be pushing for his second start of the season. The young Canadian has only featured in the Carling Cup since being sent off in the second half at Portman Road.

Duff fears it may be too soon in his recovery to be considered for Saturday, but is nevertheless determined to reclaim his place in the line-up.

“I’m just trying to get a good week behind me and push for a starting spot,” said the 32-year-old, who missed the start of last season with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.

“It’s been frustrating, especially after doing the hard part and getting into the team with five good centre halves at the club.

“But it’s a funny thing in football the way things happen - whether it’s by someone else’s bad luck or my good performances in the reserve games I don’t care how (getting back into the team) comes about as long as it comes soon.”

Of Duff’s challenge, Laws said: “Michael has been very frustrated because he started the season in the team but had to come out after 20 minutes.

“He’s a great guy, he’s great to have around the football club and it’s great to see him back on the training ground and fully into it as well.

“He started training heavily on Wednesday and enjoyed being back with the players.

“That’s encouraging for us and gives us another option to select from if necessary.

“He knows the intensity required for being in the team and also trying to get back in there.

“He doesn’t want to have any rest. He wants to push hard because he wants to get back in that team.”

Duff will feature in what’s likely to be a strong line-up tonight as reserve team football returns to Turf Moor.

After having their second string games staged by Accrington Stanley in recent years, the Clarets will play all of their home fixtures in the totesport.com league at their own ground, following a £750,000 investment into a new pitch.

First-team men Lee Grant, Kevin McDonald, Richard Eckersley, Brian Easton and Jay Rodriguez are also all set to start as Burnley bid to follow up their 6-0 win over Oldham Athletic in their opening game.

“We are delighted to be playing our reserve games back at Turf Moor,” said Laws.

“The playing surface is fantastic and this is the arena where our young players need to learn their trade.

“It’s also a better platform for the senior players and this game comes at a good time for a number of them to get a game under their belts.

“After watching us win our first match in the reserve league so impressively I hope this will be another beneficial and entertaining game against Accrington.

“I would encourage as many supporters as possible to come along and watch some of the players that could have big roles to play for us over the next few weeks and whet your appetite for the big one on Saturday!”

Only the Bob Lord Stand will be open for the game with free admission for season-ticket holders. Pay-on-the gate is £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.