BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche was delighted to see the latest step in Nick Pope's development, with a first England start for the Clarets goalkeeper.
Pope played the full 90 minutes of the Three Lions' 4-0 win in Kosovo, adding to the previous international cap he won as a substitute against Costa Rica 18 months ago in a warm-up game before the World Cup in Russia.
Last season was a concerning one for the 27-year-old, with a bad shoulder injury and competition from Tom Heaton and Joe Hart rendering him a peripheral figure at Turf Moor, making just three appearances in the Europa League and FA Cup.
After no Premier League appearances in 2018/19 he has emerged as the club's undisputed number one this term, with Heaton moving on to Aston Villa and Hart on the bench.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell has also arrived from Leeds in a shake-up of the goalkeeping department at Turf Moor this season.
A nod from Gareth Southgate for the final Euro 2020 qualifier has now confirmed Pope is back on the up.
"I'm pleased for him," said Dyche at his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's trip to Watford.
"It was a dominant night (in Kosovo), but the one thing I know from being a defender, let alone being a goalkeeper, is that it's lovely when you're playing and you get a clean sheet.
"He'll be very pleased with that, regardless of whether he had a relatively quiet evening or not.
"And just the feeling of being out there and playing and being part of it. He's enjoyed the experience.
"He's come through a serious injury and keeps delivering performances and I think he continues to improve, as well."
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