JACK Cork has taken a step closer to a first team return after playing in an Under 23s game.

The midfielder came through 45 minutes of Burnley's Premier League 2 clash with Reading yesterday, which the young Clarets won 3-1 thanks to two goals from Joel Mumbongo along with Anthony Gomez-Mancini’s first for the club.

Dale Stephens and Phil Bardsley were also among the over-age players involved in the game following injury.

“Corky continued his recovery on Monday, so that’s good," said Burnley boss Sean Dyche. "He got a bounce game for 45 minutes, and Dale Stephens got about 70 minutes.

“Bardo played really just to top up, because he’s been out a number of weeks and missed quite a bit of football."

Johann Berg Gudmundsson is another of the club's casualties but Dyche explained that he is not yet ready for match action as he continues to recover from a hamstring problem.

“Johann didn’t play, we’re still getting him back to where he’s free to just run normally, compete normally...he’s still been just below his maximum, so we’re still being a bit careful with him," said the Burnley boss.

“But there are four very good players, even with the squad looking stronger.

“We’ve still got them to come back into the thinking."

Burnley were down to the bare bones earlier this season but having captain Ben Mee, Robbie Brady and Matt Lowton back in the side in recent weeks has been a timely boost. And Dyche says it is no coincidence that the Clarets have seen an upturn in form, with two wins and two draws in their last five Premier League games.

“The players that have come through injuries are getting that real match fitness, Ben Mee, Robbie Brady, Matt Lowton...that true level of fitness - these are important factors," said the Clarets boss.

“The Premier League is hard to guarantee results, but it gives you a better chance of getting results when you have everyone fit and well."