GRAHAM Branch could be in line for a Burnley recall if Jon Harley is sidelined for Saturday's Championship clash against Birmingham.

The Clarets are sweating over X-ray results after Harley limped out of last weekend's 3-0 defeat at West Brom with a suspected broken foot.

It is feared the 27-year-old may have suffered a similar injury to one sustained three seasons ago.

Back then, playing for Sheffield United, he was out for two months after cracking a bone in his foot.

If results of the X-ray confirm the worst for last season's Player of the Year, Burnley manager Steve Cotterill will be forced to make a change at left-back.

Branch is one of several players that may come into consideration to fill a potential void.

The veteran campaigner, a versatile left-footer, has been restricted to 20 minutes of action this season, coming on as a substitute for Steve Jones in the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace back in August.

Chris McCann could come into consideration after fulfilling left-back duties once Harley was withdrawn at The Hawthorns.

The Irish teenager, who excelled as an emergency centre-back against Ipswich earlier this month, gave a solid account in the final half-hour against Albion.

Centre-backs Wayne Thomas, Michael Duff and Steve Foster are other names in the frame who could revert to left-back.

The Clarets are already stretched in defensive numbers for the Turf Moor fixture against Birmingham in four days time.

Frank Sinclair is suspended following his sending off against Albion, while veteran John McGreal has missed the last six games due to a medial ligament injury and is not believed to be available for selection until early December.

If Harley is ruled out, he will miss his first ever Burnley game due to injury since making the switch from Sheffield United in August last year.

The former Chelsea and Fulham defender has almost been an ever-present following his £75,000 move.

His one and only absence came in the Championship fixture against the Blades on December 10 last season, after he accumulated five yellow cards.

Cotterill is hoping Harley's does not prove as serious as the one he sustained during his time at Bramall Lane.

After Saturday's loss in the West Midlands, Cotterill said: "We just hope and pray that when we have it X-rayed, that it's nothing like that because that is probably the last thing we need."

Meanwhile, Harley is one of three Burnley players just one booking away from picking up a suspension.

Sinclair, banned against Birmingham for receiving his marching orders on Saturday, and midfielder James O'Connor are also on four yellow cards.

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