POPE COULD BE BACK FOR POINTS PUSH

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Keeper back in the frame to face Wolves but Brady facing continued spell out

2021-04-23T14:10:19.342Z

POPE COULD BE BACK FOR POINTS PUSH

Keeper back in the frame to face Wolves but Brady facing continued spell out

2021-04-23T14:10:19.342Z

Unfortunate timing as 'top keeper' misses Euros

Nick Pope could be back at Wolves on Sunday as the Clarets bid to get their points’ tally moving again.

The England goalkeeper has missed Burnley’s last two games with a shoulder injury.

He is in contention to return at Molineux as Sean Dyche’s men aim to end a run of three successive defeats.

But Dyche confirmed that striker Ashley Barnes’ comeback will take slightly longer, while Kevin Long remains sidelined and winger Robbie Brady may not figure again this season due to an on-going Achilles tendon injury.

“Popey’s been good,” said the Burnley boss. “We felt last week he was over the biggest hurdle of it and he’s come through training this week and he’s looking strong again.

“He’s trained fully with us today (Friday) and if there’s no reaction then he’s certainly back into consideration.

“Barnesy’s not ready yet but making really good progress. He’s been back with the team this week and active with the team in sessions.

“We’ve just got to be a little bit careful because he’s been out a long time. He’s getting closer, fitter and sharper through training, so we’re pleased with that.

“Robbie Brady is still struggling. It’s going to be a while. It’s touch and go for the season.

“We’ll have to wait and see on that one and Kevin Long is just trying to settle down an Achilles and it’s not quite getting there.”

The Clarets are without a win since before the last international break to remain on 33 points.

That’s still six more than 18th-placed Fulham, who have played a game more and are not in action this weekend.

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And Dyche insists the outlook remains positive as the Clarets look to earn some reward against mid-table Wolves and take a step closer towards preserving their Premier League status with six games to go.

He added: “We have had enough challenges down our years here – myself, the staff and the players.

“We have never really lacked positivity or a good feeling in the camp. It’s enhanced with winning, of course, but there’s always been a sturdy mindedness to the players and how they go about their day-to-day training and the games.

“We’re never short of a good spirit, I don’t think.

“The mood of the players and the feel of the camp is good because of the performance level.

“But, equally, they are a very aware group about the realities, so they know we’ve got to tidy up the details.

“Recently, the performances have actually been decent. We’ve have dominated a couple of games, which we don’t always do, but the main stat you want to get right is the scoreline and we haven’t got that right.

“The performance levels have been, at least, decent over the last three games and you could argue deserved a bit more. But you’ve got to make it happen.”