SAM Vokes returns to training with Burnley today after his Euro 2016 heroics for Wales with boss Sean Dyche insisting he is ready for the Premier League.

The 26-year-old helped Chris Coleman’s side reach the semi-finals in France, with his goal in the quarter-final sealing victory over a much-fancied Belgian side.

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Vokes’ tournament only ended with the defeat to Portugal on July 6 and he returns to Gawthorpe today having been given extra time off.

Tom Heaton and Stephen Ward, who were part of the England and Republic of Ireland squads at Euro 2016, were back in training a week ago, with the rest of Dyche’s side returning on July 4.

Although Vokes is three weeks behind his teammates, the fact he has been training and playing for Wales should mean he is soon up to speed, and while tomorrow’s friendly at Bolton will come too soon for him, he could feature at Rangers on Saturday.

Dyche said he had spoken to Vokes while he was on international duty and he wanted to see his striker continue the fine form that has seen him hit 12 goals for his club so far in 2016.

“I spoke to him, to check how he is, how he’s feeling, I sent him a couple of texts but didn’t get too involved while he was away,” said Dyche.

“It’s important to leave them to what they are doing while with their national sides, but obviously he had a good summer mentally and physically, and played a strong part in what Wales achieved.

“He had a great second half of the season and went into the summer in great shape, physically and mentally, and we want that to continue.”

Vokes suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury towards the end of Burnley’s last promotion season, and although he returned midway through the 2014/15 Premier League campaign he was never back to his best as the Clarets were relegated.

But after playing a full part last season, scoring the goal that secured promotion for the Clarets against QPR and then netting the first in the win at Charlton that saw Burnley win the title, Dyche believes he is now hitting full throttle again.

Vokes’ strike against Belgium was his first international goal since his injury in March 2014, and he heads into the Premier League campaign still looking for his first goal at that level, but his manager believes a fully-fit Vokes is now ready to shine in the top flight.

“It’s really good for Sam because he missed out on the last Premier League season really, we got him in right at the end but it takes time to come back from those injuries and he wasn’t quite ready,” said Dyche.

“Last season he showed to everyone he is ready, and we look forward to getting him back.”