CAMEROON international Andre Bikey has been allowed to delay his departure to the 2010 African Cup of Nations to help Burnley’s Christmas campaign.

It was feared the 24-year-old could miss up to six games between December and January.

But the centre half turned midfielder has been excused from a pre-tournament training camp, making him available for the Premier League game against Everton on December 28 and FA Cup third round tie on January 2, before he teams up with the squad in Angola for their first Group D game, against Gabon, on January 13.

“The Cameroon manager is going to give us the maximum time to be at the club,” said Bikey.

“The African Cup starts on the 10th but I think we are going to get dispensation for four or five days.

“The English League doesn’t stop so I don’t have to be with the team for two weeks before.

“I am going to be with Burnley for the longest time possible.”

Should Cameroon make it all the way to the final on January 31, Bikey would be likely to miss league games against Stoke, Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as an FA Cup fourth round game should Burnley progress.