ANDY Cooke was hoping to be watching his last game for some time at Turf Moor this afternoon before returing to the fray for Burnley's trip to Bristol City next Saturday.

Cooke was ruled out of today's visit of Colchester United but kicked a ball in training yesterday for the first time since tearing a hamstring at Oldham four weeks ago.

And he is eager to get back into the Clarets line-up and continue making amends for a disappointing campaign last time.

"It's been very, very frustrating. I thought I let myself and everyone down last season and I thought I had something to prove," Cooke admitted. "I had a very good pre-season and I felt really strong and sharp. A goal in the first game was just what I needed and it would have been good if I could have carried that on at Oldham and maybe got a few more.

"But these things do happen and you've just got to get on with it."

Cooke was certainly back to something like his best in the opening games of the season as he looked to return to the form that netted him 20 goals two years ago.

And even though Burnley had won twice and drawn once in his absence before today, Cooke's presence on the team sheet again will be welcome, particularly for a tough game like the one the Clarets can expect at Ashton Gate in a week's time.

"I am really hoping to be available. I am feeling all right," Cooke added.

"You've got to be 100 per cent right because if you're not ready it will go again. But, touch wood, I haven't had any set-backs.

"I've stepped it up week by week after the first week's rest and treatment.

"I've upped the treatment and fitness and I've done a lot of miles this week with Nicky Reid.

"The manager has been very supportive and allowed me to take my time. He knows what hamstring injuries are like and he hasn't rushed me and he's let me get on with it with the physio."

However, the striker will return to training with the first-team squad next week and manager Stan Ternent will assess his fitness in the run-up to the City game.

And, while Cooke is clearly hoping to be involved, he admits that it may not be a case of just picking up where he left off. It's going to be hard coming back in when I won't have played for five weeks.

"You've just got to work again at your fitness and take it gradually and hope to get it back from there," he said.

But with Burnley joint top of the table going into today's game, Cooke should be helped by returning to a team full of confidence.

"You don't want to come back to a side that's struggling," he admitted.

"It is very frustrating watching and thinking that if you were out there you might be able to help.

"But it's been good to see the lads doing well and I hope they were able to continue it today."

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