ASHLEY Barnes is hoping to be reunited with his old Brighton team-mates in the Premier League.

The striker left the Seagulls in January to successfully aid Burnley's promotion push after becoming manager Sean Dyche’s first cash buy.

Now he wants Brighton to join the Clarets in the top flight as play-off winners and the third promoted team.

Oscar Garcia’s side play the second-leg of their play-off clash with Derby tomorrow having lost 2-1 at home.

The Seagulls sneaked into the play-offs on the final day at the expense of Reading – who drew 2-2 with Burnley on the final day and missed out by a point. Barnes admitted it was a strange situation to be involved in with some Reading fans invading the pitch believing the point was enough to see them into the top six.

“It was a crazy finish,” said Barnes. “When all their fans were running on we thought Reading done it.

“But I think someone just triggered a rumour off in the stadium and it just went ballistic. No-one knew what had happened.

“But it’s great for Brighton and I hope they can do it.

“I’d been getting text messages all week saying ‘please score, please win’ hopefully for them to go and win.

“They got there and they’ve done really well to do that."

The 24-year-old believes Brighton can go all the way.

“I believe in them for sure. To go back and play there in the Premier League would be good.

“It will be great for them and a massive achievement for them.”

And Barnes was glad to play a part in his old side’s success by ending Burnley’s season unbeaten, satisfied that their objective had been achieved almost a fortnight beforehand.

“The gaffer has always wanted us to set a marker and to get to 95 points.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t get there but we’ve hopefully made history for a long time at this club,” he said.