Dean Marney netted his first Burnley goal for two-and-a-half-years against Manchester City last weekend, a strike that has been nominated for Premier League's goal of the month award.

And in further good news, the midfielder could be passed fit for the upcoming fixture against Stoke City.

Midfielder nominated for prestigious award

Marney, know for his quality of passing in the Clarets' engine room, scored a beautifully executed half-volley from the outside of the box to open the goalscoring against Pep Guardiola's side.

The strike was his first since March 2014, but was not enough to secure victory as Burnley were eventually defeated by a Sergio Aguero brace.

However, Marney has been rewarded with a nomination for the Carling Goal of the Month award for the quality of his strike.

The 32-year-old picked up a slight injury during the match but could be passed fit to start against Stoke City this weekend as he looks to protect his 100 per-cent appearance record this season.

Manager Sean Dyche explained: “The physios tell me there is a bit of neuro pain, from the nerves more than the muscles, which is good news in this case. Deano has got a decent chance of being back in amongst it".

The midfielder celebrates (photo: Getty Images)
The midfielder celebrates (photo: Getty Images)

Heaton could be fit, though Gudmundsson is out

Burnley could also see the return of captain and goalkeeper Tom Heaton on Saturday to bolster thier squad further.

The England international saw a run of 143 consecutive games come to an end as veteran shot-stopper Paul Robinson deputised in his place.

Dyche suggested that his first-choice goalkeeper is "touch and go", adding: “We’ll give him another 24 hours and then make a decision".

However, Dyche will be without the services of midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson for the visit of Stoke.

The manager confirmed: “Johann has a definite hamstring strain. That’s just time and good treatment and looking after himself, which he will do."

Yet Dyche does not see the Icelandic international being unavailable for long, adding "it’s a straight-forward hamstring but he won’t be ready for Saturday".

Burnley fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for the fitness of both Marney and Heaton, with both influential players in the spine of the team.

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