Burnley v Cardiff City. Team News

Last updated : 08 April 2007 By Michael Morris
John Spicer could be named in the Burnley starting line-up for the game with high-flying Cardiff at Turf Moor after his winner at Birmingham.

Spicer stepped off the bench to score the only goal against Steve Bruce's side on Saturday, a result which went a long way to securing Burnley's Championship status for another season.

Now the midfielder will be hoping to be rewarded by Clarets boss Steve Cotterill with a place in the starting XI for the visit of Dave Jones' men, who are looking to secure a play-off berth.

Midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba and forward Paul McVeigh shrugged off hamstring troubles to play at Birmingham and should continue, but Cotterill is still without centre-back Stephen Foster (Achilles) and midfielder Alan Mahon (groin).

Cardiff will be without midfielder Simon Walton.

Walton, who could be replaced by former Manchester City player Willo Flood, is suspended after being sent off in the final minute of the shock defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Defender Glenn Loovens could return to the starting XI if he recovers from a foot injury, while forward Michael Chopra and centre-back Darren Purse are expected to play on through the pain barrier.

But midfielder Riccardo Scimeca is extremely unlikely to recover from a groin injury in time to feature at Turf Moor.

Dave Jones' men will be looking to close the three-point gap which separates them from the play-off positions.

But it will be a tough task for the Bluebirds, with Burnley buoyant after their surprise 1-0 win at promotion-chasing Birmingham on Saturday.