NICK Pope could make his Burnley return in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Barnsley, Clarets boss Sean Dyche has revealed.

The 26-year-old has been absent since injuring his shoulder in the Europa League tie with Aberdeen in the summer but came through 90 minutes for Burnley's U23s in December.

And Dyche, who opted to start Tom Heaton over Joe Hart for the win over West Ham last time out, said Pope was in line to feature against the Tykes.

“Popey is getting closer, he’s training all the time now virtually, so he needs to get at least one more game into him, possibly we’ll consider it for the cup game, because he’s that clear." said the Turf Moor boss.

“He’s been training with us for about a month and we have to be careful. We have to give him the chance to be right and, of course, the competitive element with the other goalkeepers – Tom has come in and delivered a very good performance."

Before that cup clash the Clarets travel to bottom of the table Huddersfield Town in a crunch Premier League clash tonight.

Dyche could opt to retain the XI who impressed in the win over the Hammers but he could have a fit-again Robbie Brady in the squad although Steven Defour is set to miss out with Stephen Ward also sidelined.

“Robbie’s got a chance, Steven I don’t think will," Dyche added.

“Steven’s not really serious, it’s just making sure.

“Robbie’s has just been a knock, a very slight tear in his hip abductor, it just needing settling down.

"But he’s been back on the grass training and he’s clear at the moment so he’s got a chance of coming back into the thinking.

“Wardy is getting closer but needs match time."