NICK Pope is in contention for a starting spot when Burnley begin their FA Cup campaign at home to Barnsley on Saturday.

The goalkeeper hasn't featured for the Clarets since picking up a shoulder injury in the Europa League tie at Aberdeen in the summer but Turf boss Sean Dyche could call on him for the cup clash.

Steven Defour and Stephen Ward could also return from injury for the tie (12.30pm).

Defour hasn’t featured since December 1 because of a calf problem, while Ward last played in the Carabao Cup at Burton Albion in September before undergoing knee surgery.

But all three could return for the visit of the Tykes with Dyche set to shuffle his pack following a busy festive period.

“Steven Defour has got a good chance for the weekend and Stephen Ward has a chance as well. He’s going really well and has been training for a couple of weeks now,” he said.

“Equally we will consider Popey as well as being part of that group and part of that thinking.

“Popey is absolutely chomping. He’s desperate to play.

“So there are three that come into the thinking.”