BARNES RELISHING LANCASHIRE DERBY

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Striker previews this weekend's clash at Blackpool

2023-03-03T15:28:57.562Z

BARNES RELISHING LANCASHIRE DERBY

Striker previews this weekend's clash at Blackpool

2023-03-03T15:28:57.562Z

Striker previews this weekend's clash at Blackpool

Ashley Barnes admits he is 'buzzing' for this weekend's Lancashire Derby at Bloomfield Road as the Clarets take on Blackpool in the Sky Bet Championship.

The forward, who is in fine form and has scored three goals in his last three appearances in the league, is looking forward to the local clash and hopes to continue the impressive unbeaten run but knows Mick McCarthy's Tangerines will be a difficult opponent.

Speaking to the media ahead of the visit to the west coast, Barnes discussed current form heading into the game and how much the 3,500 strong fanbase can play a part once again.

Barnes said: “It’s great going isn’t it. As you’ve just said there it’s amazing to be on that run and we’ve got another tough test tomorrow but I'm buzzing for it.

“Every game is tough in this league and tomorrow will be the same. You never know what the outcome is, but we’ve just got to make sure we concentrate on ourselves and we concentrate on our own game, our own way of how we play and then teams can’t live with us.

“I enjoy every game, as soon as I put on the shirt, as soon as I get on the field, but derby games just have that extra feel about them."

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Barnes added: "We have another strong following with us there tomorrow and they’ve been amazing, from last year to getting relegated, I don’t think they could ask for much more to bounce back with the season that we’re having so far.

"But like I said there’s still a long way to go, so hopefully we can give them something to cheer about tomorrow and this season at the end."

Barnes is in his 10th season as a Claret after joining in January 2014 from Brighton & Hove Albion and confessed he is 'loving every minute' this campaign.

The 33-year-old striker explained how he had adapted to Vincent Kompany's style of play at the Club and how much he is enjoying his role in the side.

"I’ve literally loved every minute. He’s taught me so many new things with playing and being a leader. He’s been massive on all of us older ones in the changing room, so he’s given us a lot of experience and things to take on board.

"But just the way of how he plays, it’s teaching us something new and new ways of how he wants us to all play, his detail is second to none.

“I think it’s just the system that we play now and the roles that the gaffer wants us and how he wants us to play and it’s going really well.

"I’m really enjoying it and I’m really enjoying my role and everything that I’m doing. The goals are coming as well which is nice.”