BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche believes Nick Pope still needs time before he is considered for a Premier League return.

The Clarets keeper made his first appearance since injuring his shoulder in the Europa League tie at Aberdeen last summer.

The 26-year-old was rarely troubled by a Barnsley side who failed to force a shot on target but Dyche was happy with his stopper’s performance.

“I am really pleased,” the Clarets chief said. “It was a quiet day but an efficient one, he came for crosses like he does and looked nice and steady.

“He told me he was absolutely clear (of the injury) which is why I played him because he has only played one Under-23 game.”

Pope now joins club and international teammates Joe Hart and Tom Heaton as contenders to start for the Clarets in their Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday.

It is a selection headache that has been in the making all season but Dyche believes Pope is not quite ready for top flight football just yet.

“He still needs time,” said the Burnley boss. “I believe in players being absolutely spot on. With sharpness and stuff.

“We are pleased with him (against Barnsley) but he has not had that much work to do.

“He is not right in there yet but he is certainly on the way.”

Asked if it was difficult keeping all the goalkeepers happy, Dyche added: “We will soon see.

“They all know. They all look at each other and say ‘he’s decent, I’m decent, he’s decent’ so we crack on.”