Nahki Wells stepped closer to first-team action after scoring a hat-trick in Burnley Under-23’s 4-0 win at home to Colchester United in the Premier League Cup.

Michael Duff, the Burnley Under-23 coach, praised the Bermuda striker for his attitude and is not expecting to have his services for much longer after yesterday’s performance.

“You can see he’s getting his sharpness back,” Duff told the Burnley website. “He scored three, hit the post twice and the keeper has made a couple of good saves. We might lose him now!

“It’s good for him, to get some goals, and it’s good for the lads to see that that is the level they need to get to.

“He stood out today as the best player on the pitch, like he should, but sometimes it’s hard for first team players to come into these games and get themselves motivated.

“All the first-team lads since I’ve been here, their attitudes have been brilliant in helping the lads along, so I’m pleased for him.”

Wells, included in Burnley’s squad as an over-age player, took just seven minutes to open his account when he poked home from a set-piece to put his side ahead.

The former Dandy Town Hornets forward doubled Burnley’s lead in the 34th minute when he slotted in from close range from Ali Koiki’s cross.

He then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after being brought down by William Wright, the Colchester midfielder who was sent off for denying the striker an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Wells nearly added a fourth in the 68th minute when his effort bounced off the post.

Tinashe Chakwana grabbed Burnley’s other goal with a volley from just outside of the area in the 40th minute.

The match was another opportunity for Wells to get match fit after surgery during the summer to rectify a longstanding ankle problem.

He was an unused substitute in Burnley’s 1-0 home win over Newcastle United in the league on Monday night and has retained his place in Sean Dyche’s squad for tomorrow’s match away to Southampton.

“He [Wells] will be part of the squad for Saturday,” Dyche said. “He’s looking very fit, looking sharp, [it’s] just getting the last 90 minutes in before you deem him really fit and part of the group, other than getting first-team action, which is the final edge.”