JAMES Tarkowski is set to return for Burnley against Everton this weekend but Tom Heaton is not yet ready for first-team duties.

Tarkowski and Heaton were among several senior players who came through 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors win over Preston on Tuesday.

Record signing Chris Wood was another who completed the full game and he could be back in the starting line-up for the first time since December 23, having been absent with a knee injury, while Tarkowski has shaken off a groin problem.

"It was important to get more minutes into the players. Woody got 90, Tom Heaton another 90, Tarky got 90, we’re really pleased with that," Burnley boss Sean Dyche.

"GK (Nkoudou) it was more about him continuing to adapt to what we do and how we are, Nahki (Wells) just to get minutes on and Dean Marney as well.

"We were slowly but surely getting people back but now we’re speeding up and getting bodies back.

"In the thinking they’re ready. They’re definitely fit enough to be considered."

But Heaton is unlikely to be back in the matchday squad just yet.

"Tom is old enough and wise enough to know what he needs and he will let us know when he’s ready, but he is training very well and played very well," Dyche said.

"He’ll let us know when he is ready and he knows the form of Popey too. First thing is make sure he's 100 per cent and he’s very, very close."