A RETURN to the international arena is another box ticked for fit-again Sam Vokes, following confirmation of his call-up for Chris Coleman’s Wales squad yesterday.

The striker marked his first Premier League start with a first league start for Burnley since recovering from the ruptured cruciate knee ligament on March 29 last year.

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After helping the Clarets to a memorable 1-0 win over Manchester City, a first top flight goal is next on Vokes’ agenda.

If he could do that against boyhood club Southampton tomorrow, it would cap landmark week for the 25-year-old.

“It is great to get a call-up again. It has been a long road back and to get 85 minutes under my belt last weekend was another stepping stone,” said Vokes, who is set to play some part in Wales’ Euro 2016 qualifier with Group B leaders Israel on March 28.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche said he had been in contact with Coleman before the call-up.

“I spoke to Chris and I let him know where he (Vokes) was at,” he said.

“It was touch and go whether I started him (against City). I still think there’s more to come from him; that true match fitness that can only come from games. I think it’s important in a player’s recovery to give them time and he’s been given that, and I thought that kind of paid itself back with a good performance last week.

“But I still think there’s more to come as he gets used to this level.

“Chris had a bad injury and I’ve had a couple. You learn about your body and where you’re at with it.

“But judging by the way Sam operated last week I’d say he’s well and truly on his way to what you would call full match fitness and match sharpness.”