Scott Gardner has made two changes to his Under-21s side that lost last time out against Ipswich, hoping to bounce back in tonight’s Premier League 2 encounter against Burnley.

An alteration to the backline sees the experienced Jonny Howson brought in for Reuben Lopata-White, who drops to the bench.

The other change sees a welcomed return to the lineup for Scotland youth international Josh McDonald, making his first start of the campaign after picking up an injury at the end of last term.

Howson plays in the heart of defence alongside Louis Enahoro-Marcus, Louie Dudley and Jayden Lienou, with Rory Mahady retaining the number one jersey.

An unchanged midfield trio of Alfie Cresswell, Rhys Chadwick and Ollie Pickles lines up behind a trio of Connor Douglas, Harry Gray and McDonald.

Gray has started the new season in fine form, netting three times in the opening two PL2 matches.

Starting XI: Mahady (GK), Dudley, Lienou, Cresswell (C), Enahoro-Marcus, Howson, Douglas, Chadwick, Gray, Pickles, McDonald.

Subs: Ombang (GK), Lopata-White, Brockie, Bird, Pirie.

Burnley: Forshaw (GK), Balogun, Pimlott, Williams, Ashton (C), Campbell, McCoy, Leuluai, Ryan, Clark, McMahon-Brown.

Subs: Chester (GK), McEvilly, Veevers, Blackie, Pouani.