Local hero Jay Rodriguez is determined to play his part in the Clarets' bid to mount a Championship challenge.

Rodriguez is one of a quartet of strikers battling for a place in Brian Laws' starting line-up.

And after opening his account for the season with a well-taken goal in the reserves' 6-0 win at Oldham on Tuesday night the Burnley-born front man will do everything possible to keep giving the boss a nudge.

"I'm very hungry. I'm 21 now so I'm looking to knock on the door and hopefully get a chance," said Rodriguez.

"All I can do is keep working hard at my game and improving.

"It was a good experience to go to Singapore in pre-season and play in different conditions.

"I got my two goals from penalties and enjoyed it out there and coming back here to play for the reserves is good to get your game going again."

Rodriguez got off the mark in the reserves

Rodriguez came off the bench in Burnley's season opener against Nottingham Forest to suggest that he is not far down the pecking order.

Two seasons ago in the Championship the youngster claimed the Clarets' goal of the season in a break-through campaign which brought him five goals.

A year in the Premier League and a broken ankle limited his opportunities last term.

But the former Turf Moor trainee has continued to grow in strength and looks ready to make an impact when his chance comes again.

"I have been involved which gives me encouragement," Rodriguez added." But I can only focus on myself and keep working hard.

"I am always looking to improve by playing in reserve games and in training I try and improve every time I go out.

"I just have to work hard, keep my fitness up and keep scoring and see how it goes."