Sam Vokes "starting to step things up a lot"

Sam Vokes has revealed that he has started to step up his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The Burnley striker has been sidelined with the complaint, which has prevented him from kicking a ball in the Premier League this season, since late March.

However, while the 24-year-old has refused to set a date for his comeback, he has confirmed that he is close to making a return to full training.

"I'm starting to step things up a lot, working a lot more outside with the fitness guys," he told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"It's just like my pre-season. Running every day, working hard, shooting. Everything really. I do bits and bobs with the lads but I've not joined in a full session yet. There are a few things I need to tick off first in terms of strengthening my knee so that they're equal on both sides, and then when I can do that I can start joining in."

Vokes scored 20 goals in the Championship last term prior to his injury.