KEVIN Long is getting closer to full match fitness after another 90-minute outing for the Clarets development squad, according to coach Michael Jolley.

Jolley was in charge as the Clarets beat Bradford 4-1 on Tuesday and he was pleased to be able to give the 25-year-old defender another game as he continues his comeback from a knee ligament injury picked up at Newcastle on New Year’s Day.

“Longy has had a few games back now and each game he looks sharper and stronger,” said Jolley.

“Each game he gets closer to that genuine match sharpness, so I am really pleased and I thought he was excellent.

“He was the captain of the team and he led them really well, so I was delighted with him.”

Khius Metz netted twice for the Clarets, with Jamie Frost and a Bradford own goal completing the scoring, and Jolley was pleased that the youth team striker was able to score his first goals at development squad level.

“Khius is a player we have got a lot of interest in because he has got such good pace, so he can threaten teams in behind,” he said.

“I spoke to him after the game and told him if he can improve his football and keep working hard at his game then he is a player we want to continue working with.”

Development squad defender Luke Hendrie, signed from Derby in the summer, made his Football League debut on Saturday for Hartlepool after a loan move, and he featured again in their midweek draw with Barnet.