Sam Vokes set for homecoming as Burnley seek strong finish

12 May 2017 01:09

Sam Vokes believes the pressure has been lifted at Burnley but wants a strong finish to the season as he prepares to return 'home'.

The striker helped the 14th-placed Clarets almost certainly guarantee Premier League survival by scoring twice in last weekend's 2-2 draw with West Brom.

That result leaves Sean Dyche's men six points above the drop zone with two games remaining and their far superior goal difference over third-bottom Hull means Vokes can return to first club Bournemouth on Saturday without relegation worries.

Despite the tension being eased, the Wales international has urged his team-mates to continue aiming high.

"It's important we keep our head in the game," he told Burnley's official website.

"It will be nice to celebrate at the end of the season but for now it's time to get the job done.

"To hit that 40-point mark last weekend was a massive achievement. It was something we set out at the start of the season to achieve - survival.

"To have done that almost with two games to go is a nice feeling. But although the pressure is off we have still got a job to do. We want to finish as high as we can."

In-form Vokes, who has scored three times in his last three games to take his tally to 10 for the season, began his career with Bournemouth having grown up 20 miles along the coast in Lymington.

The 27-year-old managed 16 league goals in 54 appearances for the Cherries in League One before leaving for Wolves in 2008 after the south coast club were relegated following a 10-point deduction for entering administration. They began the following season in the fourth tier on minus 17 points due to further financial problems.

Vokes is pleased his former team have recovered and is delighted to see Eddie Howe's side playing in the top flight.

"I have got a lot of friends and family down there and from the football side of it, it was a huge part of my career early on," he added.

"I did my youth team term down there and got my first professional contract.

"When I left they had just been relegated from League One and were facing League Two with minus 17 points, so it was a club in crisis really.

"To see them in the Premier League now is a huge achievement.

"We are going down there looking to pick up three points and secure everything, so it's a huge game for us.

"But on a personal note it will be nice to play against Bournemouth in the Premier League."

Source: PA