IAN Cox is raring to return to action and fight for his place in the Clarets' line-up.

Cox missed the last two games of the promotion campaign with a broken wrist.

But with the plaster now off he's looking to regain full fitness as quickly as possible and earn a place in the Burnley back line for their mouth-watering opener at the Reebok Stadium.

"I'm a bit rutsy and I just want to get back into the swing of things.

"I can't wait to get back and try and win my place back, which won't be easy," said Cox.

The £500,000 signing from Bournemouth was recruited with the First Division in mind.

And even though manager Stan Ternent may bring in defensive reinforcements, a fully fit Cox would be an almost certain starter at the Reebok Stadium.

Cox refuses to look at it that way, however.

"I don't think you can afford to take your place for granted," he insisted.

"There are a lot of good players at the club and everyone is fighting for their place.

"That will be even more the case this year with playing in a higher division.

"But competition brings the best out of people. Otherwise you can rest on your laurels and get a bit stuck in your ways.

"Competition keeps you on your toes and that's got to be a good thing really."