BURNLEY's Robbie Brady was ecstatic to get some much needed Premier League minutes after making his first start for the club since the defeat against Tottenham in the middle of December.

Sean Dyche made two changes in the 2-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Friday night, replacing Dwight McNeil on the left of midfield.

The Republic of Ireland international has suffered an injury hit campaign after recovering from knee surgery due to damaging his patellar tendon in 2017 - this has resulted in Brady making just six starts in England's top flight this season.

"I haven't had as much football as I would have liked over the last few weeks or months," Brady said after returning to the starting line up at Goodison Park.

"I did enjoy that. I've been desperate to play for weeks on end now so it was good to get back out there and get a run out. Although the result wasn't the one we wanted, I enjoyed getting back out there and playing.

"I felt good. I've been training every day. I was a little bit tired towards the end because it was my first game in a couple of months so it was always going to be difficult. Hopefully I can play a few more minutes before the end of the season."

The 27-year-old was due to make his Clarets return at the start of this current season until a hamstring injury, sustained in a pre-season friendly against Montpellier, put his comeback on the back burner.

Brady had to deal with another setback when he was sent for an early bath by referee Mike Dean following a late tackle on Huddersfield Town's Isaac Mbenza in the 2-1 victory at the John Smith's Stadium at the start of January.

"It's been very difficult, frustrating at times," Brady said. "I just want to play and get myself right but sometimes my body has let me down.

"Most of the season has been a bit of a slow-burner in trying to get going. Some parts were worse than last year and I was in a knee brace.

"It's difficult because you just want to be out there playing every game, especially when you're used to playing.

"To get out there and get the minutes in was important. I really enjoyed it. Getting back out there meant a lot to me."

The midfielder will find it hard to complain about not getting many starts as Dwight McNeil has taken the limelight in the Burnley side since his introduction in December.

McNeil has been a breath of fresh air for Sean Dyche's side with his fearlessness evident when running at experienced Premier League defenders.

The 19-year-old has the best stats in England's elite division for a teenager after notching three goals and assisting his team mates five times in the 21 appearances he has made.

It's hard to guess who will start on Sunday for the final game against Arsenal, but Brady will need to take his chance if it is him.