STEVE Cook admits it has been "difficult to play competitive football" as he continues to nurse a hand injury.

The centre-back underwent surgery to repair the fracture sustained whilst blocking a cross in the defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in November.

Cook missed four games with the injury before returning on Boxing Day. However, the 28-year-old previously admitted "I haven't been good enough" since his return and he spent another spell out of the side after getting sent off in a loss at Norwich last month.

The Hastings-born star returned to the bench after his one-match ban, losing his spot in the team to Simon Francis, before coming in to start at Burnley last weekend in place of the injured Nathan Ake.

And Cook says the injury suffered against Spurs is still causing him problems now.

He told the Daily Echo: "This season has been a very stop-start one for me.

"I’ve been playing with a broken hand since Tottenham. It’s difficult.

"I’ve played, but in the back of your mind it’s difficult because it’s such a physical game and I’ve got a splint which protects it but it’s in your head, especially as a centre-half it’s hard.

"I’m hoping it’s nearly healed. It’s been a long one for me because where I keep falling on it and getting hit on it, it’s stopped the healing.

"Obviously it’s not an excuse for my form but it’s really difficult to play competitive football and train right when you’ve got a broken hand."

He added: "I came out the team and the team did well. I was pleased to be back in (at Burnley), but disappointed that I haven’t been able to contribute enough to get a result."