Stephen Ward is raring to get back into the Burnley team after recovering from a spell on the sidelines with a knee problem.
The Republic of Ireland international has not played since a 1-0 win against Stoke in mid-December.
Sean Dyche’s men have not won since Ward last made an appearance but they remain in seventh spot in the Premier League table by virtue of their excellent start to the campaign.
Morale was boosted last weekend when Burnley came from behind to draw 1-1 with runaway league leaders Manchester City at Turf Moor.
Ward played 75 minutes as an over-age player for Burnley’s Under-23s in their league defeat at Huddersfield Town on Monday evening and is now setting his sights on a return to first-team action.
“It felt really good,” he told Burnley’s website. “It’s just important to get back on the pitch and get used to playing.
It’s nice to be feeling good and strong and to get a few minutes out there.
“It’s not really in my hands but I’m feeling good and ready to go. I’m feeling a lot sharper, so we’ll see what happens.
“We’ve had a great season and the more bodies we can have back now, hopefully that will help us have a strong finish.”
Ward will be hoping he can do enough in training this week to force this way into Dyche’s plans for Saturday’s trip to face a reenergised Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Burnley are 3.20 to get a win in south Wales. The home side are 2.50 after their recent upturn in fortunes while the draw is 3.00.
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