MATT Lowton is hoping to make his case to Burnley's first-choice right-back an irresistible one as he prepares for a first Premier League start since November this weekend.

The former Aston Villa man dropped out of the team after picking up a knee injury against Arsenal on November 26, but on his return he found the form of Phil Bardsley keeping him on the bench.

But opportunity knocks once again for Lowton, with the hamstring injury that forced Bardsley off against Manchester City last weekend ruling him out of Saturday's trip to Swansea.

Lowton impressed as a half-time substitute against City and he's hoping he can show he deserves to keep hold of the shirt for the rest of the season with a string of good performances, starting at the Liberty Stadium.

"It’s a chance for me to come back in and hopefully keep my shirt for the rest of the season now," said the 28-year-old.

"It’s up to me and ultimately every player wants to be playing week in and week out.

"It’s always frustrating when you’re not playing. When you pick up an injury it’s tough but it’s up to the player to keep fit, make sure he’s ready fitness-wise and mentally when called upon and thankfully I did that.

"Every player wants to be on the pitch and giving their all for the team so when I got the chance, I jumped at it.

"It was nice to play well (against City) and get an assist and help us get a point."

The battle for the right-back berth is another example of the fierce competition within the Clarets squad this season, with former Manchester United man Bardsley bringing plenty of experience with him.

While Bardsley was impressing in his run in the team Lowton was continuing to work hard behind the scenes and that paid off with his performance against City.

And he insists that the competition can only be of benefit to Burnley as each player strives to make sure they are in possession of the shirt.

"It keeps you on your toes, every day you come in you have to work 100 per cent, you can’t have any off days," said Lowton.

"If you’re in the team it’s to stay there and if you’re not in the team it’s to show the manager you’re ready to go.

"If you’re not training right or not trying, then the manager isn’t going to change anything if he thinks the one who isn’t playing isn’t trying to get into the team."