Danny Ings will get England chance - Dyche

Clarets boss Sean Dyche believes striker Danny Ings’ chance will come at senior international level if he maintains his progress.
Clarets striker Danny Ings in action for England Under 21s against Portugal at Turf Moor in NovemberClarets striker Danny Ings in action for England Under 21s against Portugal at Turf Moor in November
Clarets striker Danny Ings in action for England Under 21s against Portugal at Turf Moor in November

There was speculation last month that the 22-year-old was in line for a full England call-up for next week’s European Championship qualifier with Lithuania, and subsequent friendly with Italy.

But nine-goal Ings remains in the Under 21 squad for the games against the Czech Republic and Germany.

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The red-hot form of Spurs frontman Harry Kane - who has seven goals in his last 10 games and 26 for the season - saw him elevated him from Gareth Southgate’s Young Lions to Roy Hodgson’s squad.

Clarets striker Danny Ings in action for England Under 21s against Portugal at Turf Moor in NovemberClarets striker Danny Ings in action for England Under 21s against Portugal at Turf Moor in November
Clarets striker Danny Ings in action for England Under 21s against Portugal at Turf Moor in November

Dyche admitted after Ings netted in the 3-1 defeat at Manchester United a month ago “People are making noises about England call ups, and I’ve played it down a little bit.

“But the way he’s playing at the moment, absolutely, I can see that.”

Ings is expected to be in Southgate’s squad for the European U21 Championship in the Czech Republic in June, but Dyche feels he can go on and play for the seniors: “Ingsy has had that recognition, certainly over the last two or three months, but, obviously, Harry Kane can’t stop scoring, and that is always a big weapon for international managers.

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“But certainly Roy Hodgson is aware of Ingsy, they know him and he is certainly in their thoughts - it’s their job to know who is playing well, and learning and improving.

Danny Ings has scored nine Premier League goals for Burnley this seasonDanny Ings has scored nine Premier League goals for Burnley this season
Danny Ings has scored nine Premier League goals for Burnley this season

“He’s just got to keep playing hard, playing at the top of his game.

“There is no right to play international football, you have to be in form and playing regularly to be picked, but if Ingsy keeps raising his levels as he has, he has every chance.”

Sam Vokes got the nod for Wales on Wednesday, for their trip to Israel, and Dyche has been pleased with his progress after nine months out through injury.

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Vokes made his first Premier League start in the 1-0 win at home to champions Manchester City on Saturday, and Dyche said: “We deliberately delayed his comeback, as we felt appropriate, to make sure he was fit and sharp.

England manager Roy Hodgson is aware of Danny IngsEngland manager Roy Hodgson is aware of Danny Ings
England manager Roy Hodgson is aware of Danny Ings

“He was probably a bit rusty at Spurs in the FA Cup, but he looked back in the swing of it against City.”

Vokes and Ings netted 47 goals between them last season as the Clarets were promoted, and they are paired again with Burnley fighting for Premier League survival.

If they hit it off in a similar fashion, it will boost hopes of beating the drop, but Dyche smiled: “If only it was as easy as that!

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But Vokesy will have that thirst for it, and he’s a big part of what we do.”

The pair are expected to start against boyhood club Southampton tomorrow at St Mary’s - where both scored in a 4-3 FA Cup third round defeat last January.

But midfielder Matt Taylor is unlikely to be in the squad despite completing 90 minutes for the Development Squad on Tuesday.

Dyche said: “Matty got a full game, but I still think he needs a bit more football. But he’s going well, and the injury seems to have settled at long last.

“We’re pleased with it and he can crack on now.”