Nahki Wells needs more minutes, insists Burnley boss Sean Dyche as forward recovers from ankle surgery

• e-mail

Sean Dyche has insisted Burnley striker Nahki Wells needs more game time before he can compete for a regular first-team slot at Turf Moor.

Wells has been recovering from ankle surgery but appeared on the substitute's bench for the first time since his move from Huddersfield as Burnley beat Newcastle 1-0 on Monday night.

The victory saw Dyche's side continue their high-flying form as they moved to seventh in the top-flight.

Nahki Wells is nearing recovery after enduring serious ankle surgery after Burnley switch

'Nahki still needs more minutes,' Dyche told Burnley's official website. 'We thought it was appropriate to put him in, especially with (Chris) Wood being out.

'He needs that mixture now of getting involved with us and getting more game time, so we will look to get that sorted out for him in the coming weeks.

Wells has twice featured as an over-age player for Burnley's under 23 side since returning to action last month and also completed 90 minutes in a friendly against Sheffield United.

The 27-year-old is also in line to continue his rehab with the under 23 in a Premier League Cup tie against Colchester on Thursday.

Wells (rear) is yet to feature for Burnley but was on the bench against Newcastle on Monday

Burnley also confirmed that striker Wood is likely to face a late fitness test before Saturday's trip to Southampton after missing Monday's win with a hamstring injury.

'As for Chris, we'll see. I believe in all of my forwards and if I have to make a decision, I do,' added Dyche.

'We just decided, with a hamstring, it was probably too early. And we got the win, so it looks a good decision.'  

But manager Sean Dyche has insisted Burnley must give Wells time to recover properly