Clarets boss not ruling Pope out of Europa clash

And Clarets boss Sean Dyche hasn’t ruled Pope out of Thursday’s Europa League second qualifying round first leg tie with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Pope, 26, was away with England for the duration of the World Cup in Russia, as they finished fourth after losing out in the semi-finals.

Having collected his first cap ahead of the tournament as a substitute against Costa Rica at Elland Road, Pope, like Jack Butland, didn’t make an appearance in Russia, as Jordan Pickford started every game.

However, having trained throughout the tournament, and after a brief break, Dyche feels he will be up to speed and ready to go on his return to his club.

Asked if Pope might be involved at Pittodrie on Thursday, Dyche said: "We’ll see, I’ll make a decision on that.

”He’s had 10 days, he should come back in pretty much ready to go."

However, Ashley Barnes and Steven Defour are both doubts.

Defour is yet to feature in pre-season with a calf problem, while Barnes played the opening friendly at Cork City, but has since not been risked with a knee injury.

Neither will feature at Preston tomorrow night, Dyche confirmed: “No, they won’t be. We’ll have to be careful, I don’t think they would be anyway, they need a bit more time.”