TRAINING under social distancing guidelines gave Nick Pope a sense of déjà vu.

Burnley’s England goalkeeper impressed for non-league Bury Town before beginning his meteoric rise through the leagues.

Return to training protocols mean that players this week have had to arrive ready to play, rather than changing on arrival at Barnfield.

They then go through their sessions in groups that are no bigger than five.

“We travel in kit and it was pretty much like Sunday league – straight out of your car, put your boots on and go and play – or like a kid when you used to turn up at a tournament on a Sunday in your kit and then afterwards put your boots in the boot and straight back in the car – good memories,” Pope told the the Clarets’ website.

“Barnfield is so big. One group was so far away some of them were across the bridge, so I didn’t know if they turned up or not!

“It was good to see some of the lads and everyone smiling at the situation and the fact that you’re not seeing each other but kind of seeing each other.

“It was a strange one but good to see the goallies and have a catch-up with them and get a session in.”

This is seen as the first real test as to whether the Premier League can follow the Bundesliga in getting back under way in a bid to complete the season behind closed doors.

Pope hopes that is the case with Sean Dyche having previously said his squad is unanimous in their desire to play.

“It’s been such a long time,” said the 28-year-old.

“It was strange to be off and then you kind of got used to being off the longer it went on.

“Now we’re chomping at the bit to be back in training and looking forward to playing again.

“It’s something I think everyone is willing to do. Everyone wants the same goal. Everyone wants to get back out there playing and that’s is what’s required at this stage.

“The Bundesliga set an example at the weekend. It’s proven as a model that can work.”