The Andy Payton Column

THERE'S nothing quite like a party when your team wins.

And at Saturday night's bash at Turf Moor, to celebrate the 'No Nay Never' book launch, the mood could certainly be described as jovial following the win over Nottingham Forest.

But no-one there could possibly be as upbeat as Robbie Blake, who finally reached the milestone of 100 career league goals with another predatory strike.

As a fellow striker, I take my hat off to anyone who reaches that magical landmark, but hopefully there's a lot more in Robbie's tank yet.

He is still only 28 and that, I feel is when a striker is approaching the peak of his performance.

I had to wait until I was 33 to register the best annual total of my career, scoring 27 in the 1999/2000 season.

So, barring injuries, there no doubt that Robbie can break the magical 200 barrier.

His best club total so far is 40 in 109 league starts at Bradford City - back when he was in his early 20s.

Now, Robbie's Turf Moor total stands at 38 in 98 league starts and, with the chances he creates for himself, there's every reason to think that now he's older and wiser, he will surpass that 40 in far less games.

Hopefully, he can then reach 200 at Burnley. It's still a long way off, but I'm a big believer in setting yourself targets because it gives you a goal in life - no pun intended!

Every club needs that 20 goal-a-season striker to build a team around, so what a difference it would make to Burnley if he hung around at Turf Moor for another four or five years.

I feel plaudits also need to be handed out at the other end of the pitch too, where a bit of an unsung hero is quietly making his mark.

Most supporters were left scratching their heads in the summer when Steve brought in Michael Duff.

But the former Cheltenham defender has taken to life in a higher league like a duck to water.

The biggest compliment you could give Michael is that he looks like he's played at this level all his career.

It was a big, big step for the lad, but it's certainly paying off. If only Steve could pick up a few more like him, he would solve his player shortage in one fell swoop without breaking the bank!