BEN Gibson admits he can't wait to make his Premier League debut for Burnley after returning from injury in the Clarets U23s win over Sheffield United on Monday afternoon.

The centre back has been out with a hernia problem which has restricted him to just two Europa League starts since moving to Turf Moor from Middlesbrough in August.

But the 25-year-old came through 90 minutes at the Tameside Stadium as the young Clarets eased to a 6-0 success.

And his next target is a first team appearance for Sean Dyche's side.

“I can’t wait to be back in the mix with the lads,” he said.

“We’ve had some good results of late – bar the weekend – and I just want to get back and help them and make my mark for the team.

“Football is cruel sometimes, but the most important thing is the team and the team has done well the last few weeks.

“We were a little bit unfortunate in some ways on Saturday and I just want to get back to help and do what I can for the team.”

The centre back was joined in the U23 side by Robbie Brady who also completed 90 minutes as he steps up his return from a knee injury.

For Gibson, it was an important milestone on the road to recovery and he was pleased to be able to come through the game without any problems as he turns his attention to forcing his way into Dyche's matchday squad.

“I can’t wait to get back fit and help the team, and that was a big step to doing so," added Gibson, who is unlikely to be considered for selection against Chelsea on Sunday.

“It’s just a case of building. We said we’d look to play 60-70 minutes and see how I felt. I felt quite good so managed to get 90 in.

“I’m really happy. It’s been a frustrating start for me, coming into a new club.

“I haven’t been injured for a long time and I came here and got injured straight away, so I’m just happy to put that behind me."