BESART Berisha has revealed his frustration at getting injured so early in the season, but has vowed to fight his way back to full fitness.

The Burnley wide man has been sidelined with a knee injury since returning from international duty over a fortnight ago, forcing him to miss Albania's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Netherlands last night.

The 22-year-old damaged his right knee during Albania's 3-0 friendly win over Malta, in which he scored a wonder goal and hit the post, just as he did in the friendly with England B at Turf Moor in May, where he first captured the attention of Burnley manager Steve Cotterill.

After being named in the Clarets squad for the first time for the trip to Grimsby Town in the Carling Cup, Berisha was hoping to build up his experience of the English game through the reserves and try to work his way into Cotterill's first team plans.

But the former Hamburg youngster is now battling to overcome an untimely injury setback, which is expected to rule him out of action until early next month.

"It's unfortunate that I have got injured," he said. "I did it competing for a header and felt my right knee tighten.

"It's not an easy time for me because it's the first time in my career I've had an injury as serious as this.

"But I am a fighter and will give everything in order to play football as soon as possible again.

"But, at the same time, it's important that my injury is allowed to recover completely.

"It will be a hard few weeks for me because I don't like not being able to play football."

Nevertheless, Berisha is still enjoying his fledgling Burnley career.

"Burnley is a super club and good for my general wellbeing," he said.

"I have settled in very well and I am getting accustomed to English football. I think the physical and quicker style of play suits me better.

"As players, we respect each other and there is a good spirit within the team.

"There are a lot of good players and we will give everything in order to have a successful season."