Big Sam is out to make Burnley history

Sam VokesSam Vokes
Sam Vokes
Striker Sam Vokes is in line to become the first Burnley player to make an appearance at a European Championship Finals tomorrow when Wales open their Group B campaign at Stade de Bordeaux against Slovakia at 5 p.m.

Vokes could start for Chris Coleman’s side, on the back of a terrific run of form which saw him score 12 goals in his last 21 outings for the Clarets, to end the season with 16 and a second promotion to the Premier League in three seasons.

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Wales meet England in Lens on Thursday in their second group game, but while that Battle of Britain will capture most attention, Vokes is only focused on making a good start to the country’s first appearance at a major finals since 1958: “I think it’s worked out well with our group to be honest with you, with England being the middle game.

“It’s a big day, but we’ll be focusing on the first one.

Slovakia is a big game for us and we want to get off to a good start.

“It would be great to start the game.

“I’ve always said if you’re doing well with your club then hopefully you’ll get a chance for your country.

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“It’s been a big thing for me. I was gutted to miss most of the qualifying campaign through injury last time round so it would be nice to get a good run-out this summer.”

And the Lymington-born frontman believes Wales can cause an upset in France in a group which also includes Russia, who take on England tomorrow evening at 8 p.m.

Wales can call on the likes of Champions League winner Gareth Bale and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, and Vokes said: “We truly believe we can cause a stir.

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“Every time we meet up we talk about it and how strong we are and our strengths in the squad.

“We know we can go there and cause upsets – we did in the group.

“With Belgium we took four points off them and they were second in the world at the time. We’ll go there full of confidence.”

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Vokes couldn’t ask for a better supply line than Bale, and he added: “He’s a massive talent and around him there’s 11 other lads who work their socks off for him.

“He’s a great talent.

“I think he has stepped up a level. He’s a fantastic player.

“For me as a striker to work with someone like that who’ll get you chances all day and takes a few himself.”

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