Ashley Barnes ready to finish the season on a high

04 April 2016 12:53

Ashley Barnes is determined to put his 11-month injury nightmare behind him and help Burnley clinch promotion.

The striker made his first appearance since suffering a cruciate injury last May as a substitute in Saturday's 2-2 draw at former club Brighton.

Barnes, whose goals helped fire the Clarets to the Premier League in 2014, now hopes to play his part in another successful run-in starting at home to Cardiff on Tuesday night.

"It was brilliant to be back and I got a good reception from the home and away fans," he told Burnley's official website.

"It's gone quick to be fair. It's been a good journey and I've managed to strengthen every other part of my body as well and hopefully I'm fitter and better than where I was before.

"It's for us to keep pushing on now and nicking those points along the and hopefully we can replicate the last promotion season and do it again.

"We go into Tuesday which is another tough game and then we'll go again on Saturday (against Leeds). "

Burnley have opened up a three-point gap at the top with Middlesbrough, in second, hosting Huddersfield.

Boss Aitor Karanka believes his side's experience last season, when they were beaten in the play-off final by Norwich, will stand them in good stead this time around.

"We need to forget who the opponent is because we need to win every one," the Spaniard said at his pre-match press conference.

"Tuesday's game is another massive three points for us and every game is going to be the same.

"The experience is always important. We didn't have that last season and we had to play against the top teams. I think we're better now and more mature."

Brighton, now a point behind Boro in third, travel to manager Chris Hughton's former club Birmingham without strikers Sam Baldock and Bobby Zamora.

"Sam will miss out," Hughton told the Argus. "It's a very slight hamstring, certainly not a bad one. We hope he won't miss too many games.

"Bobby is not available. As always with Bobby, we get him through training and the weeks. He's just a little bit sorer than normal, so he'll miss out."

Fourth-placed Hull head to Derby in sixth while Sheffield Wednesday, who sit between them in fifth, host Blackburn.

At the other end of the table basement side Bolton, who are 15 points from safety, travel to Brentford, Charlton entertain Ipswich and MK Dons welcome Wolves.

Elsewhere Bristol City host Rotherham, QPR head to Leeds, Fulham travel to Preston and Reading take on Nottingham Forest.

Source: PA