Euro 2016 qualifiers: Wales' Sam Vokes ready to play full part

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Sam VokesImage source, PA
Image caption,

Sam Vokes has scored six goals for Wales since making his debut in 2008

Euro 2016 qualifier: Israel v Wales

Venue: Sammy Ofer Stadium. Haifa Date: 28 March, 2015 Kick-off: 17:00 BST

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and the BBC Sport website

Burnley striker Sam Vokes says he feels ready to play the full 90 minutes of Wales' Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel if required.

Vokes, 25, is back in the Wales squad for the first time in over a year after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Manager Chris Coleman said he is unlikely to start in Haifa on 28 March but Vokes is confident in his fitness.

"It's up to the gaffer, but from my point of view I've got a number of minutes under my belt now," he said.

"I played 90 minutes for the team earlier in the year in the FA Cup and it will be good to go away with Wales and get a week's training under my belt and see where it takes me.

"It's up to me to prove my fitness."

Vokes suffered cruciate ligament damage and was out for nine months before returning in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

Media caption,

Burnley and Wales striker Sam Vokes's guide to injury rehab

The former Bournemouth and Wolves player made his first league start in his side's 1-0 win over Manchester City last Saturday.

Vokes scored in his last Wales appearance, a 3-1 friendly win over Iceland at Cardiff City Stadium in March 2014.

But the serious knee injury suffered in a Championship game against Leicester City later that month meant Vokes has not yet featured in Wales' Euro 2016 campaign.

"It's great to be included back in the squad. It's been nearly a year since I did my knee injury," Vokes added.

"It's obviously a long process getting back. It's a long nine months you go through with the rehab and everything that come with it.

"While you're doing that rehab you are concentrating on getting back on the pitch.

"One of the main things is to get back out there for your club, but the next step is obviously is getting back in the Wales group and starting games there.

"That's a massive target for me. I can't wait for the game."

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