Vokes believes he can lead the line for Wales

Sam Vokes opened the scoring for Wales against Moldova

Striker Sam Vokes believes that his recent performances for the Clarets have shown that he's more than capable of leading the line for his country.

The Welshman is keen to make that role his own during his nation’s World Cup qualifying campaign after being utilised as a lone forward by Burnley boss Sean Dyche in the Premier League.

Despite the 26-year-old only making one start in the European Championships in France - with Chris Coleman opting for Hal Robson-Kanu and Gareth Bale as a two - Vokes was named in the XI, anchored by the Real Madrid star, for the opening Group D win over Moldova where he scored the opening goal.

Now, with a game against Georgia on the horizon at the Cardiff City Stadium, the striker is keen to retain his place.

“I’m enjoying it,” he said, after Arsenal grabbed a last gasp winner at Turf Moor. “Obviously I enjoy playing with Andre (Gray) as well but with circumstances how they are it’s a chance for me to lead the line.

“I’m enjoying it and there have been some great battles so far. I’ve been up against some tough defenders but that’s what this league is about. You’re always going to be up against some quality players.”

He added: “It gives me confidence to take in to that when I meet up with the lads. Hopefully I’ve impressed. It’s for me to do. If I’m doing well here hopefully I’ll get the nod for Wales and I’m looking forward to it.

“We’ve got some tough games but we’ll take some confidence from the result on the opening game. The game against Georgia is one where we’ll be looking to pick some more points up.

“It’s an easy transition to make because with Wales we all know our jobs well and there’s a lot of confidence there at the minute, especially after the summer that we’ve just had. It’s a camp I look forward to.”

Vokes was the lone wolf in top flight outings against Watford and the Gunners due to strike partner Andre Gray’s four game ban, administered by the FA for historical misconduct on social media platforms.

The striker missed a first half header against Arsene Wenger’s men on Sunday evening following a delightful ball in from Matt Lowton and, despite the late controversy, he believes the squad will take great heart from their display.

“It’s gutting and it hurts a lot, especially when you dig in like that for 90-plus minutes,” he said.

“Against a strong Arsenal side we knew we would be up against it but I thought the lads were terrific, they put their bodies on the line but it wasn’t to be.

“It’s brilliant. Against Watford I thought we were terrific as well. It was a great performance and we got the three points which were needed.

“Against Arsenal the point was there for us and with the way we worked I thought we were good enough to deserve it. It wasn’t to be but with that performance we’ll take a lot of confidence.

“We were great all over the park. Every one of us knew our jobs against a good, organised side like Arsenal who possess plenty of class and quality. We’ll come back fresh from the international break and go again.”