Chris McCann has scored 20 goals in his 171 games for Burnley

Burnley midfielder Chris McCann has returned to full training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

McCann, 23, has not featured in 14 months since aggravating his knee in last season's 1-0 defeat at Bolton.

But striker Charlie Austin looks likely to miss the rest of the season.

January transfer window signing Austin, 21, dislocated his shoulder last week in training and is now set to go under the knife this week.

"It's obviously a blow to both us and Charlie because when you're a new player coming into a new environment you want to get off to a good start," Clarets assistant manager Jason Tindall told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He injured himself in the last five minutes of a training session. He fell awkwardly on his shoulder."

Hopefully we'll see Chris McCann back playing soon but we can't put a date on it yet Burnley boss Eddie Howe

Burnley boss Eddie Howe is at least cheered by the better news about former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international McCann.

The Dubliner first suffered the injury against Sunderland in September 2009, just a month into the Clarets' first Premier League campaign - and he has managed just 103 minutes of competitive football since.

"It's really pleasing from our point of view to see him back," Howe told BBC Radio Lancashire .

"He's going to need a little bit of time, but we're delighted with the progress he's making and hopefully we'll see him again soon.

"When you've been out for such a long time it gives you a boost when you get that first session out of the way.

"Hopefully we'll see him back playing again soon although we can't put a date on it yet."

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