IAN Moore admits he shocked himself at the speed of his recovery from knee surgery.

The Burnley striker is pushing for a return to the starting line-up at Brighton on Saturday following his surprise appearance as a substitute against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Moore bounced back from the lay-off around three weeks earlier than expected after an operation to cure a long-standing patella problem.

And the 28-year-old, who was sidelined for just five games, revealed: "Normally I am pretty quick coming back from injuries, but everyone was shocked at how quickly I came back.

"Initially the experts said four to six weeks, which I thought was fine. But the operation was only three weeks ago, so I'm a few weeks ahead of schedule and everyone is delighted - no-one more than myself."

Moore, who has missed only a handful of games through injury since joining Burnley from Stockport County four years ago, featured in the reserves on Tuesday night in an bid to boost his fitness levels.

He added: "I've been training with the first team for a week, but match fitness is something I've been missing with not playing for three-and-a-half weeks.

"Getting a run out in the reserves in midweek should get my fitness up for Saturday, so hopefully by the Brighton game I'll be pushing on the door and trying to get a game."

Moore's return could help relieve the goalscoring burden on skipper Robbie Blake, who ended a six-game goal drought against Forest to notch up his 100th league career goal.

And Moore, who has three goals to his name this season, is desperate to make up for lost time during the trip to the Brighton's Withdean Stadium.

He said: "I think Robbie would be the first to admit that I give him a hand up front and he hadn't scored all the time I was out.

"As soon as I came back last Saturday, lo and behold he scored, so hopefully we can start scoring goals together now, rather than just him!"

Meanwhile, Burnley fans intending to travel to Brighton are reminded that the game is all-ticket, with around 200 tickets still remaining at the club shop.

Those travelling by car should be aware that there is no parking available in the vicinity of the Withdean Stadium, with park and ride schemes operating in the area.

Matchday tickets therefore include a voucher that can be used to obtain discounted public transport to the ground.