Howe back in Clarets dugout

Eddie Howe will be back in Burnley's dugout for Sunday's Championship clash at Cardiff after what he called "the worst few days of my life".

Howe missed the draw with Crystal Palace last Saturday following the death of his mother, Annie, earlier in the day.

But he took training on Friday and will be back at the helm against the Carling Cup finalists as the Clarets look to end a run of four games without a win.

"It's been the worst few days of my life, no doubt about that," the 34-year-old told the club's official website.

"It's difficult, but it's back to work and back to football and I think that's the healthiest thing for me and my family.

"I know my mum would want me to be here and want me to be working and win football matches. That's what she wanted me to do."

Howe added: "My mum was an adopted Burnley fan because she supported me and wanted us to win.

"I couldn't have had a bigger supporter in my camp and that meant so much to me on a personal level, so now I want to do even more for her and try and be as successful as I can."

Promotion hopefuls Cardiff dropped out of the top six following a 3-0 defeat at home to Hull in midweek and boss Malky Mackay wants a response from his players.

"After Tuesday evening it's good for us that we've got another game on Sunday in which we can bounce back," Mackay told the club's official website.

"That's positive, but there are downsides to having so many games.

"We've played something like 10 games more than some of the other sides around us in the division at the moment (because of their run to the Carling Cup final).

"We've had four games in nine days and this has been a busy and tough period for us. It's important to keep the lads as fresh as possible, physically and mentally.

"I've got good medical and sports science staff who do their best to ensure that that's possible."