SAM Vokes has taken a significant step in his recovery from knee surgery.

The striker has resumed light training after rupturing the cruciate ligament in his left knee in a fixture against Championship winners Leicester five months ago.

And the Welsh forward is closing in on first team training, albeit geographically at the moment.

“He’s doing well, we’ve had him on the top pitch with us and he’s going along nicely,” said Sean Dyche.

“He’s still not close by any means, but it’s great to see him start to get on the grass, jogging along, and I’m delighted for him. It’s been a real blow for him, but he’s in good hands, in a fantastic place in a positive environment.”

Danny Ings has been called up to the England Under 21s squad for two upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

England have a double header away to Lithuania on September 5 and Moldova four days later.

Dyche feels it will not be long before Ings gets off the mark in the Premier League.

“He’s been really alive for us, but strikers want goals,” said the boss.