RETURNING SAM WANTS INGS BACK TO NORMAL

HE’S BACK! Vokes netted the equaliser against Spurs SAM VOKES is desperate to renew his prolific goal-scoring partnership with Danny Ings to help fire Burnley to Premier League safety.

The Clarets forward made it onto the scoresheet for the first time since his return from a nine-month injury lay-off to earn an FA Cup third-round replay with Tottenham.

The Welsh international admits it’s been a long road back to fitness since suffering careerthreatening knee ligament damage last March.

It brought to an abrupt halt his flourishing partnership with £8million-rated England Under-21 star Ings, as the pair grabbed a combined tally of 47 goals to seal promotion to the Premier League.

Ings has struck up an increasingly fruitful pairing with Ashley Barnes while Vokes has been on the sidelines.

Vokes would love to rekindle his double-act with Newcastle target Ings, but admits he has his work cut out to force his way back into Sean Dyche’s plans.

LAY-OFF: Rodriguez time ago now and a lot of things have happened since then.

“Hopefully I’ve given the manager something to think about. I can’t take it for granted that I’ll get straight back into the side, because the boys have been doing fantastic up front without me.”

Vokes also hopes his goal-scoring return from injury can inspire team-mate Kevin Long, who is out until next season after suffered an identical setback last month.

Former Clarets favourite Jay Rodriguez is also on the verge of a return from a similarly devastating blow in April, which cost the Southampton ace the chance of an England World Cup place.

Vokes added: “It’s an injury I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

“I had a chat with Kevin and I’ll help him along the best I can.

“I’ve spoken to Jay. He’s a strong character and I’m sure he’ll get through it.” ON A SWISS ROLL: Shaqiri netted a slick hat-trick against Honduras

in the World Cup to spark Liverpool’s interest last summer