KYLE Lafferty has targeted double figures after his third goal in a week kept Burnley's season alive.

The 20-year-old revelled in an out-and-out striking role and took his overall tally for the season to eight in Saturday's 2-1 win over Barnsley, just days after netting twice for Northern Ireland in their friendly with Georgia.

After Wade Elliott celebrated signing a new three-year deal with the opener, Lafferty bent a delightful right-foot shot beyond Luke Steele.

And he is determined to add further goals in the final five Championship games to help the Clarets maintain their push for the top six.

"I'd like to finish the season in double figures, and I think that would push us into the play-offs, but we'll have to see how it goes," said Lafferty, who was delighted to start up front having spent most of the season on the left of midfield.

"The manager called me into his office, and when he said I was starting up the middle, you should have seen the smile on my face. I just wanted to go and hug someone.

"Hopefully, I've done enough to get another chance next week.

"Playing left midfield is something I take in my stride because I just really want to be in the team, playing football.

"My understanding of the game has improved, because when you're playing on the left you see the runs of your strikers, so I'm watching them make the runs, so I've added that to my game.

"But when I've been away for Northern Ireland, I've played up front for them, and I think I've got four goals now in seven or eight games.

"I've just been missing goals (for Burnley) but hopefully now I can transfer it to club level and get the goals.

"It's definitely good to get one like that. It's been coming for a while. I've been getting a bit of stick from the lads - even from my mates - they say when I cut inside they're all pea rollers!"

But as well as improving his goal ratio, Lafferty is pleased that he is returning to form.

"Andrew Cole's given me a bit of stick, saying he's been here two months and it's the first game I've turned up in," he said.

"I had a dip around January but I think I'm playing better football now."

And manager Owen Coyle is in full agreement.

"I'm delighted with his performance. We've been desperate to try to get him through the middle," he said.

"Since I came to the football club I've been searching for a natural wide left player similar to Wade Elliott on the right.

"It's not been for the lack of trying to bring that type of player to the club - I've been scuppered on a few occasions through different circumstances.

"So we decided to change the system to allow Kyle to go up and play through the middle.

"He showed what he can offer. He's a talented lad.

"He'll be the first to admit that after the January window closed he lost his way for a month in terms of his performance levels.

"I sat down and had a chat with him and just explained to him that anything that falls into place will come on the back of him doing well for the football club.

"He's got his head round that and showed what he's capable of."