HAT-TRICK hero Delroy Facey paid an emotional tribute to late father Len after sparking Burnley's surge up the Division One table.

Victory over Walsall rocketed the Clarets up to a season high eighth place on the back of a four-game unbeaten league run.

And match-winner Facey was quick to dedicate his first senior treble to his biggest fan, who tragically missed out on his son's memorable day after falling victim to cancer two years ago.

Facey, 23, said: "I dedicate this to my dad Len. He's no longer with us having died of cancer, but if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be where I am now.

"He got me motivated into football when I was younger and I owe everything to him. He should be watching down on me now and I think he'll be a very happy man."

Facey, who recovered from a life-threatening illness just over 12 months ago, also dedicated his match-ball winning display to mother Rita, who is recovering from a recent operation.

And the on-loan Bolton striker, who finally opened his Clarets account at the eighth attempt just days after extending his Turf Moor spell, reserved yet more praise for Clarets boss Stan Ternent and his Burnley team-mates for standing by him during a nagging barren run in front of goal.

He added: "It was great to get on the scoresheet for Burnley at last. Not scoring has been weighing on my shoulders because I'm a striker and I am paid to put the ball in the back of the net.

"It's been frustrating, but I've had all the lads behind me and the manager has been fantastic as well.

"They have always kept confidence in me and the manager has given me excellent support and kept playing me, so I feel I've rewarded them all."

Facey, whose goals were his first since returning from serious illness to score for Bolton against Birmingham in the Premiership last February, is now looking forward to a well earned break following the news that next weekend's First Division clash with Reading has been cancelled due to international call-ups for the Royals.

He said: "We have been playing Saturday and Tuesday for the past few weeks and I haven't done that for the past few years. It's taking it's toll and I'm feeling a bit tired, but the gaffer has given us a couple of days off now and that's good.

"We don't have the biggest squad here, but the way the manager goes about the job with the lads is absolutely fantastic and if we can keep performing as we are, then I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be in the play-offs at the end of the season."

Clarets boss Stan Ternent was equally delighted to see Facey get up and running after insisting it was only a matter of time before the hard-working hitman finally struck gold.

But Ternent, who was only able to name THREE subs on Saturday, also preached caution by claiming it would be a "miracle" if his wafer-thin squad continued to trouble the early First Division pace-setters.

He said: "I have been pleased all season with the endeavour, commitment and courage on the ball and all credit to the players.

"We are doing okay at the moment. We are eighth in the league and if we don't get any worse than that it will be a miracle."