Barnes has found his goal-scoring boots with Burnley

After breaking his barren run in front of goal, Burnley striker Ashley Barnes is hoping that the floodgates have now opened.

The striker came off the bench to score a late winner in the Clarets’ Premier League clash with Crystal Palace earlier this month.

That was Burnley’s last game before the international break and now that domestic action has returned, Barnes is confident there is more to come after breaking a dry spell that stretched back to February 2015.

“It was a relief, more than anything, to hit the back of the net and have that feeling back inside you,” said the 27-year-old.

“As strikers that’s what you want to do. It had been a long time coming.

“I’m ready. I am one of the lads again now ready for selection if and when the gaffer picks me.

“Everyone wants to play. Everyone wants a starting shirt. But competition for places now is better than last time.

“You saw in the last game, I think that was the most attacking bench we’ve had.”

Knee and hamstring injuries have hampered Barnes’ time at Turf Moor but with Sean Dyche’s side three games unbeaten coming into this weekend, the front man is feeling optimistic at last.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“I’m feeling brilliant. I’ve had a long road to recovery,” he added.

“I managed to get back after the knee last year and unfortunately at the start of this season snapped my chrysalis.

“That was probably the worst. You get over the big hurdle of a long time being out.

“This one was short but I broke down a couple of times in training and you just think ‘when’s it going to stop?

“But hopefully it has done. I’m all good now and raring to go.”