Striker Vokes set to return for derby clash

Striker Sam Vokes is in line for a return for Saturday’s Lancashire derby with Preston.
Burnley's Sam Vokes shows his dejection at failing to win the ball

Photographer David Shipman/CameraSport

Football - The Football League Sky Bet Championship - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley - Saturday 7th November 2015 - Molineux - Wolverhampton

© CameraSport - 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 (0) 116 277 4147 - admin@camerasport.com - www.camerasport.comBurnley's Sam Vokes shows his dejection at failing to win the ball

Photographer David Shipman/CameraSport

Football - The Football League Sky Bet Championship - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley - Saturday 7th November 2015 - Molineux - Wolverhampton

© CameraSport - 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 (0) 116 277 4147 - admin@camerasport.com - www.camerasport.com
Burnley's Sam Vokes shows his dejection at failing to win the ball Photographer David Shipman/CameraSport Football - The Football League Sky Bet Championship - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley - Saturday 7th November 2015 - Molineux - Wolverhampton © CameraSport - 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 (0) 116 277 4147 - [email protected] - www.camerasport.com

But boss Sean Dyche is pleased with the competition for places up front, after both Rouwen Hennings and Chris Long’s efforts in his absence.

Wales international Vokes has missed the last two games with a groin problem, and Dyche said after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Cardiff: “Vokesy was very close.

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“We had to make a joint decision with him to attempt to make sure he’s fit for the longer term, and not the immediacy of this game.

“It was a close one last week, he still wasn’t quite right, but very close.”

With Ashley Barnes and Lukas Jutkiewicz both out long-term with knee ligament injuries, from almost an embarrassment of riches, Dyche is down to four senior striking options.

But he is pleased with Long and Hennings: “Longy is a young lad, he’s learning, he worked very hard, he’s adapting and learning.

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“Rouwen is more rounded, but adapting to the different football culture.

“Vokesy knows the script and is a fine player, Andre was quiet but is still a threat - the Cardiff lads will have been worried, ‘will he get in behind us?’

“That’s the challenge you want as a manager, to have good players who are all operating at a good level.”

And he also feels midfielder George Boyd is getting back to his best after some indifferent moments: “Boydy was terrific, I thought last week he was as well.

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“Players have little spells when they are a bit flat, and he’s had a few, but the last two games, he’s been excellent.

“He’s added the quality to his energy. Connolly defended brilliant for his first effort, outstanding, and then he set up the goal for Rouwen, so good signs.”