SAM Vokes is back in training with the Clarets first team as he nears a return from the knee injury which has kept him sidelined for eight months.

The Wales international suffered a cruciate ligament injury in March but Burnley boss Sean Dyche is now lining up a return to action for him in a development squad or a behind closer doors fixture.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The 25-year-old scored 21 times last season before his injury, which put an end to his prolific partnership with Danny Ings.

“Vokesy’s where we think he should be,” said Dyche.

“We’re not defining when Sam will be back, but he’s going well at the moment, he’s training with the first team, he’s active with the first team, so there'll be a games programme that comes next, so it’s not a case of a week, two weeks or three weeks, we will wait and see with that one.”

Dyche also revealed that Scott Arfield suffered a knock in training this week but should be fit for tomorrow’s trip to Stoke, as will Nathaniel Chalobah, who was injured on England Under 21 duty.

Matt Taylor remains a long-term absentee after undergoing an Achilles operation.