JACK Cork has returned to parent club Chelsea for medical attention after falling ill during Monday’s England Under 21 international friendly against Iceland.

The 21-year-old was taken to hospital in Preston after complaining of feeling unwell at half-time of the 2-1 defeat at Deepdale and was kept in overnight.

Under 21s boss Stuart Pearce confirmed Burnley’s on-loan midfielder had suffered palpitations and a virus was suspected.

Clarets boss Eddie Howe said the cause of Cork’s ailments had yet to be fully diagnosed, but revealed he would be a doubt for Saturday’s visit of Ipswich Town after returning to Stamford Bridge for careful monitoring by their medical staff on being discharged from hospital yesterday.

The Lancashire Telegraph under-stands that Cork’s heart rate during Tuesday’s game was significantly beyond the levels that would normally be expected.

However, Howe was still hopeful that, with nine Championship games to go, Cork would be back at Turf Moor to play some part in their play-off push.

“It’s still to early to tell what’s wrong, but he has gone back to Chelsea for some tests,” said the Burnley boss.

“They have better facilities there than we have, but fingers crossed he will be back with us at some point. We certainly hope so.

“But we’ve just got to make sure he is okay first and foremost, and that he is fit and well.

“That’s the main thing.”

However, Howe is expecting Cork will not be available for the weekend – the first of eight games in April.

“Although we’re still not sure what the problem is, I would have thought Saturday is doubtful for Jack,” he said.