Robbie Brady is ready to force his way into Sean Dyche’s thinking for Burnley’s Premier League starting XI.

This is according to Under-23s boss Steve Stone after Brady had a 90 minute run out for his side in Monday’s 0-0 draw with QPR at Turf Moor.

The development squad head coach feels the Ireland international, whose lack of fitness meant he was placed on stand-by for the latest international matches, is now ready to stake his claim for a starting place.

“It’s important for Robbie that he’s now had two games with us,” said Stone.

“He’s getting himself back to fitness and now he can push for that first team place he’s been waiting for.

“He’s been a little unlucky with that rib injury he suffered a month ago and it’s been a bit of a stop-start season for him, but it’s good that he’s come and played a couple of games with us.

“It’s not easy for first team players to come and play Under-23s football. It’s very different to what they are used to, so all credit to him.”

Brady’s return to fitness, which could include another run out next week, was met with the news that Dwight McNeil has been forced to withdraw from the England U21 squad, with a minor injury.

With Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson also missing international duty after picking up a calf injury in the 1-1 draw at Wolves, Brady’s fitness boost will be welcomed by first-team boss Dyche.

Meanwhile, Stone was disappointed with a lack of a cutting edge as the Under-23s were forced to accept a fourth straight draw, but remain unbeaten.

The Clarets dominated against QPR on Monday, but couldn’t find the all important touch in front of goal to convert a number of chances, though were indebted to a first-half penalty save from George McMahon.

“I was delighted with what I saw. we started the game really well and then let them back into the game ahead of half time,” Stone told the club website after the stalemate.

“In the second half I asked the lads to press higher and use the ball with better quality and I thought we mixed things up really well.

“It’s been the story of the season though; we can’t really finish teams off. Even when we score a couple of goals we are letting some sloppy ones in, so there is a lot to work on.”