Tarkowski recovering quicker than expected

The centre-back sustained an injury to his hernia and was forced to have surgery on the issue.

With just two weeks before pre-season is due to get underway, Tarkowski has been working at the Claret's training ground on the recovery an issue he had been suffering from for a while.

Talking to 'Clarets Player HD', the player who gained his England debut in March said: "I thought it would be a bit longer before I was back outside doing work but the surgeon has done a good job and I feel probably the best I have in quite a long time. It's just getting that fitness back."

On having to pull out of the England squad's reserve list, the defender reflected that: "It was tough with the England one because I was quite new to it and it never looks well when someone just pulls out of the squad, especially before they even turn up.

"I felt it was the right thing to do for me to turn up and try my best to get through it.

"But I just didn't feel right and it's not fair on myself or the players there if I'm not 100 per cent and I'm called upon and I want to do myself justice when I'm around that group."

Burnley will start their season with a second-round qualification match for the Europa League on 26th July, having finished seventh in the league last season.