Burnley injury woes ease but Heaton will not be rushed

Burnley’s injury woes are easing – although manager Sean Dyche has had to add himself to the casualty list.

The Clarets took advantage of not having a game last weekend to head to Portugal for a short training break, where Dyche ruptured a thigh muscle on the second day.

It will not stop him standing on the touchline for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton, and the positive news is Burnley are moving closer to having a fully-fit squad again.

The Clarets’ superb first half of the season came despite a succession of injury problems, but Tom Heaton, Stephen Ward, Chris Wood and Dean Marney played in a behind-closed-doors game against Blackpool on Tuesday.

The latter three could all be in contention for the squad to face Southampton on Saturday, when Burnley will look to end an 11-match winless run, while defender James Tarkowski could also return from a groin problem.

That still leaves Steven Defour, Robbie Brady and Jon Walters as longer-term absentees, while Heaton is not yet ready for a first-team return having not played since dislocating his shoulder against Crystal Palace nearly six months ago.

With competition intense among England’s goalkeepers for the World Cup squad, time is running out for Heaton to press his claims but Dyche insisted he will not return until he is ready.

“Tom’s main thing is for him to get fit, he knows that and I know that,” said the Clarets boss.

“He’s been out a while, he’s done very well with his rehab and so have the medical team, and now it’s about true fitness, about timing, getting your eye in, reminding yourself of your game awareness and all the things that add into a goalkeeper’s performance.

“He’s not under any pressure to be considered at the moment. He’s a very bright professional. He understands he’s got to be right. He’s old enough and wise enough to know when he’s really on it. He’s in a good place, he’s enjoying being out there every day.”

When Heaton is ready, Dyche will have a difficult decision to make given the form of stand-in Nick Pope. The 25-year-old has performed so impressively that he too has been talked about as a potential challenger for the England squad in Russia.

Heaton, Michael Keane and Jack Cork have all broken into the squad as Burnley players in recent seasons and Dyche believes Pope deserves to be considered.

“I think his performances have shown a level of consistency to be in amongst the thoughts,” said the 46-year-old.

“It’s not my decision on whether they think he’s ready for it. I haven’t spoken to (England boss) Gareth (Southgate) so much about individuals because I don’t think that’s fair. If he asks my opinion, I’ll be happy to help him.

“I respect Gareth and I hope for him to do a great job. He’s certainly become respectful of the group we have here, I know that for a fact and he’s come to watch many games, and I think in a serious way.”