STEVEN Thompson’s groin problem won’t stop the striker pushing for a start, says manager Eddie Howe.

The 32-year-old came off the bench to score the equaliser in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw against his old club, Cardiff City.

Howe later revealed Thompson is set for surgery in early March to treat an infection in his groin, and does not yet know how long he will be sidelined for.

But in the meantime he admitted there was nothing to stop him from returning to the starting line-up, if selected.

“I don’t think he’s restricted in minutes,” said the Burnley boss, who picked Thompson ahead of targetman Chris Iwelumo for the wins over Portsmouth, in the league, and Burton Albion in the FA Cup.

“Chris Iwelumo scored and played very well against Watford so he kept his place and Thommo’s pushing.

“There’s nothing to say that he couldn’t start a game in this period before he goes under the knife.”