KURT Nogan should be fit to carry on his one-man goal crusade against Burnley in Saturday's derby showdown with Preston at Deepdale.

But Burnley's own-sharper shooter, leading scorer Andy Payton, is backing the Clarets defence to nullify the Nogan factor and help Stan Ternent's men to put the record straight against their local rivals.

Nogan is expected to shake off a foot injury in time to try and extend his remarkable run of scoring in each of Preston's last four League games against his former club.

But Payton, who has taken over the mantle of goal-machine once held by Nogan at Turf Moor, insists Saturday's game isn't just about the two centre-forwards.

"I don't look at it like that and I presume he'll have a harder game this year," Payton insisted.

"No disrespect to those that played last year but he'll be playing against the likes of Steve Davis, Mitchell Thomas and Gordon Armstrong this time so we're a bit tighter at the back.

"He does always seem to do well against Burnley but hopefully on Saturday we can turn that around.

"After losing twice (in the league) last season and getting hammered there last time we'd like to go there and give our fans something to shout about."

Payton, who scored in Burnley's last win at Deepdale two seasons ago, is likely to be partnered up front by Graham Branch. But the competition for the striking roles is about to hot up again with Alan Lee and Andy Cooke both heading back towards contention.

"Andy's back running and making good progress, although he won't be ready for Saturday," confirmed Ternent, who has Lenny Johnrose under treatment for a calf problem but will have Lee back in the fold on Friday after his tour of international duty.

The Clarets summer signing played for 81 minutes as the Republic of Ireland under-21s beat Malta 3-1 in their European Championship Group Eight qualifier in Valetta last night.

He made way for York City's Barry Conlon just before the end and will return to Turf Moor after the Irish senior side have played tonight.

Mark Robertson will also be back in the Burnley camp tomorrow after the Australian Olympic squad winds up its London-based training camp today.

The Olyroos drew 1-1 with the Kuwait under-23 side yesterday, but Robertson didn't figure.

John Mullin is also set to return to the squad for Saturday's game and won't be risked in the reserves against Preston at Turf Moor tonight (7.15pm start).

The Clarets second string will field a largely young side, although Paul Weller is expected to get another run-out as he moves towards a return to full fitness.

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