WHAT a good news week it has been for Burnley. First there was a contract extension for Sam Vokes, then came the capture of Ashley Barnes from Brighton.

Both are great pieces of business by the Clarets, and Barnes’ arrival will no doubt help to keep the front two on their toes. Not that either have shown any signs of needing that this season, but his presence within the squad not only gives a much needed boost to striker numbers but also provides some healthy competition.

Barnes, who knows Vokes from the Wales international’s loan spell at Brighton two seasons ago, is tried and tested in the Championship and has been a target of Sean Dyche’s for some time.

At 24 he is the right age, with plenty of years ahead of him.

He will come into the squad knowing that he will have to bide his time behind Vokes and top scorer Danny Ings.

The pair have been on fire all season, and surely their form can only be enhanced by knowing that Barnes is waiting in the background, or perhaps even joining them in the line-up.

He is a player who can probably roam around anywhere in the attacking areas and gives the manager the option to change the system if things aren’t going their way.

While he might have to be patient for a time, I’m sure Barnes is encouraged by the knowledge that the club have paid a lot of money for him as well. He will be hoping to show his worth and take his chance whenever it comes along.

After securing Vokes longer term I’m sure the fans will now be looking getting one or two others tied to longer term deals.

The club have shown their intentions by keeping hold of their better players, and the striker fits into that bracket. I’m delighted he is going to stay.

It’s nice to be able to talk positively about the club in terms of signing players instead of losing them in the transfer window.

A win at Yeovil would just round off a few good days nicely.