Dyche’s delight as striker Vokes scores on return

However, the Burnley boss has re-iterated that the Welshman won’t be rushed back in to action.

The 25-year-old netted for the first time in eight months in a 2-0 win over Carlisle United at Gawthorpe midweek.

The striker, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last term, with his last coming in a 2-0 triumph over Doncaster Rovers at Turf Moor, scored alongside Marvin Sordell as he completed 45 minutes.

“I’m really pleased,” said Dyche. “I’ve said over the weeks we’re very happy with his rehab. The medical team and sports team have been working hard with him and now he’s coming back in to the football side of it.

“He’s been training with us for a number of weeks but when Sam’s ready he’ll tell us. I have great faith in my players knowing about their bodies and knowing how they feel.

“He’ll be under absolutely no pressure from me to play because it’s important that’s he’s 100 per cent fit. He’s made another step up by getting that 45 minutes under his belt but he’ll know when he’s right and he’ll let us know.”

Vokes has been sidelined since the end of March after rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligament in the Championship clash against Leicester City, and Dyche is eagerly anticipating the moment when last season’s Player of the Year is available for squad selection.

“The main thing is that he’s adding to his confidence base all the time,” said Dyche. “When you’ve had an injury it’s all about building confidence in your body and confidence in the fact that it’s well again.

“He’s down to that last important bit so there’s still work to be done for him both physically and with the mentality to play with that freedom we’ve seen so many times.

“He delivered a fine season last year and I’ve got every confidence that he’ll be delivering good performances again sooner rather than later. We’re looking forward to having him back in a reality where we can pick him and he gets on with it.”