NAHKI Wells is hoping his first-half hat-trick for Burnley Under 23s can fire him closer to a Premier League debut for the Clarets.

Wells admits he's 'champing at the bit' to make his top flight debut and he did his chances no harm with a lethal treble for Michael Duff's side as they beat Colchester United 4-0 in the Premier League Cup on Thursday night.

Bermudian striker Wells made the £5million switch to Turf Moor from Huddersfield on deadline day, but he did so in the process of recovering from an ankle operation.

Two months on he is edging closer to a Clarets debut, having been an unused substitute for the 1-0 win over Newcastle on Monday night, and the 27-year-old can't wait for that moment to arrive.

“I’m champing at the bit and I want that Premier League debut and I want that Premier League goal," Wells said.

“I’m hungry and I want that opportunity to come. But, at the same time, I’m patient and I understand I’ve come back from an injury that requires what I’ve had to go through and I feel like I’m back to myself more and more as it goes on.”

Wells netted his first goals in a Burnley shirt in the win over the U's at Tameside Stadium and he was delighted to get another 90 minutes under his belt.

He will travel to Southampton with Sean Dyche's first-team squad today and could again be on the bench at St Mary's, although he admits playing the full game on Thursday could scupper his chances of a debut this weekend.

"Most importantly it’s about getting through 90 minutes fit and getting more minutes under my belt," Wells said.

“Scoring goals – it’s good to be back amongst them. And a hat-trick in any shape of form is just good to re-create those memories of scoring goals at an important time.

“It’s a start. I had to get minutes under my belt before I got that opportunity in the first team.

“I’ve got three 90s under my belt. I felt I performed really well in the last two and it’s always good to win and get some goals.

“I’m hoping to impress the management staff, which was my job.

“To put 90 minutes (on Thursday) would put in any question whether or not I would play any part (on Saturday) but I’m here to play for the first and here to play my part and it’s nice to be travelling.

“It’s always good to get that trip to bond a bit more with the boys and if called upon in that 18 I will be ready and feel I have what it takes to play my part and ultimately that’s what I want to do, play game time in the first team.

“For me it’s important to go into the international break in and around the squad. I’ll have another good week’s training and preparation for Swansea at home and I will be totally ready."