But the experienced midfielder is set for a timely return on Saturday as Phil Brown’s men look for a first win in three games against bottom side Pickering Town at Shawbridge.

Carney’s know-how has been missed as the Blues have led leads slip in their last two games to drop to seventh spot in the BetVictor North-West Division.

But Brown’s side is still just two points outside the play-off zone as they go in search of a seventh home victory of the campaign against a Pickering side who are winless away from their North Yorkshire base.

The Blues will have to do it without teenage striker Owen Watkinson, who this week joined National League North side Curzon Ashton after ending his loan spell at Shawbridge.

And on-loan left-back Fin Armstrong is also unavailable after making his first start for Burnley’s Under-23s in their Professional Development League defeat at Barnsley on Friday.

But Clarets teenager Mitch George is available for the final game of his existing work experience loan spell from Turf Moor – having helped Burnley reach the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup with a fourth-round win at Mansfield Town on Thursday night.

And Brown is looking forward to the chance to launch another home run after a first league defeat at Shawbridge since September last time out.

“We’ve had a good week’s training,” said the Blues’ boss.

“The lads are in good spirits and looking forward to putting in a positive performance.

“We’re not a million miles away and I know they’ll go out and give everything to build on the good record we’ve had at home.”