Burnley strikers Chris Wood and Matej Vydra making a good impression on boss Sean Dyche - while Ashley Barnes closes in on a return to action!

Strikers Chris Wood and Matej Vydra are making a good impression on Burnley boss Sean Dyche.
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The partnership between the Kiwi and the Czech Republic international had previously been seen only once in a blue moon.

The two former West Bromwich Albion forwards hadn't started a game together until the first home game of the season when Southampton came out on top at Turf Moor.

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They endured another long wait before linking up from the start again, this time against Chelsea at the end of January as Thomas Tuchel was sworn into Stamford Bridge.

Matej Vydra of Burnley celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.Matej Vydra of Burnley celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.
Matej Vydra of Burnley celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.

But they've now lined up alongside each other in the last four games in the Premier League and they have four goals between them.

After they were both on the scoresheet against the Saints at St Mary's, Dyche said: "I was really pleased with a lot of their performance.

"They didn't quite find the same level of sharpness in the second half, but they stuck at it so I was really pleased.

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"They've looked sharp and alive, they get their goal, and then they've had chances.

Chris Wood of Burnley celebrates with teammate Matej Vydra after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.Chris Wood of Burnley celebrates with teammate Matej Vydra after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.
Chris Wood of Burnley celebrates with teammate Matej Vydra after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.

"There were moments that if there had been a bit more composure in the box we could have had more goals today. That continues to be a work in progress for us."

While Jay Rodriguez has played some part in the previous eight fixtures - with the last four from the bench - Dyche is confident that Ashley Barnes will soon add to his attacking options.

The 31-year-old, who is now tied on 41 Premier League goals for the club with Wood, has been missing since netting an equaliser against Fulham after sustaining a thigh injury.

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The former Brighton and Hove Albion goalscorer is closing in on a return to action, though Robbie Brady faces another spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury while on duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Ashley Barnes of Burnley scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Fulham at Turf Moor on February 17, 2021 in Burnley, England.Ashley Barnes of Burnley scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Fulham at Turf Moor on February 17, 2021 in Burnley, England.
Ashley Barnes of Burnley scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Fulham at Turf Moor on February 17, 2021 in Burnley, England.

"We keep getting people fit, then we get injuries, but we were hoping to have everybody fit," said Dyche.

"Phil Bardsley, unfortunately, had a family bereavement, Barnesy's making progress and getting fitter, Robbie Brady got injured on international duty, Longy pulled his calf, so all of a sudden you're men down.

"Then Erik Pieters goes off so you're left scratching your head again. We're hoping they're not too serious and we can get some of them back fit, but Robbie's going to be longer I think and we'll wait on news of Erik."