NICK Pope wants more games after getting his first taste of action in five months with a run-out for Burnley's U23s on Monday.

The stopper played 90 minutes as the Clarets youngsters saw off Sheffield United 3-1 in what was Pope's first appearance since suffering a shoulder injury in the Europa League draw with Aberdeen in July.

The 26-year-old, who was part of England's World Cup squad in the summer after a stellar 2017-18 campaign, is now targeting more match time as he builds up to a first team return.

The goalkeeper said: “I just need to get a few more games first obviously, so that’s my target now I’m back in full training and have been now for a couple of weeks.

“Its just the games I need now, to get my distances and my timing and just everything you need as a goalkeeper.

“But that is just the main target and focus now, whether the games are in house and behind-closed-doors or whatever, I just need to get the games in.

“It’s a great group here with the 23s, I really enjoyed it and was happy to be a part of it."

Pope displaced Tom Heaton in the Clarets side last season but both have now seen Joe Hart, a summer arrival at Turf Moor, establish himself as the club's No.1.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche will face a difficult decision when Pope does return while Heaton has been linked with a January move away.

But for now former Charlton man Pope was just pleased to be back in action as the Clarets Under-23s overcame Sheffield United 3-1 to climb to the top of the Professional Development League's northern division table.

He said: “It was great to be back, it’s been a long injury spell for myself but to get back and play a real game and 90 minutes was great.

“I try to help out where I can, I remember playing those sorts of games when I was their age.

“So, it was good to be one of the experienced ones there today, I think that’s part of the experience and part of my job to step down and help the younger lads out.”

Burnley U23 boss Steve Stone was pleased with his side's performance as they ended the calendar year in style with their next fixture not until January 7.

“I’m really happy for the boys," the boss told the Clarets' website. "I’ve only been here five or six weeks, so it’s they’re efforts that have got them joint top of the league.

“I think they are the ones that need to be commended, they’ve shown real strength and tenacity.

“And to finish off where they have finished with three different coaches this year, it’s a credit to them.

“We have the great support staff around them who do the best that they can, but they are the ones that have to go on the pitch and do it."