Derby County 1 - 1 Burnley

Derby County v Burnley: Preview

Updated: April 3, 2009, 10:50 AM UK

Defender Jay McEveley and striker Chris Porter are likely to come back into the reckoning when Derby resume Championship action against Burnley at Pride Park.

The two-week international break has helped aid the pair's recovery from niggling injuries.

McEveley has been out for almost a month after pulling a hamstring against Bristol City, while Porter has missed the last three matches since breaking his duck for the Rams and scoring three goals in two games.

More good news for boss Nigel Clough could see the return of Kris Commons after nearly six weeks out with a calf problem.

However, should the Scotland winger be involved he will only be fit enough for a place on the bench.

Striker Steve Davies has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing a bone in his foot.

Burnley manager Owen Coyle has several injury worries ahead of his promotion-chasing side's trip to Pride Park.

Striker Martin Paterson withdrew from the Northern Ireland squad for their two World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Slovenia in the past week.

The 17-goal leading scorer sustained a hamstring strain in the Clarets' last outing against Plymouth on March 21 and may miss the Pride Park clash.

Fellow frontman Steve Thompson will definitely be absent after he was carried off on a stretcher with ankle ligament damage during the 5-0 home win over Nottingham Forest on March 14.

Coyle is also waiting on the fitness of veteran Graham Alexander and on-loan Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams, who are both nursing knocks.

Coyle said: "There are concerns, but we will look at it on Friday to see if we can put out the best team to get the three points.''