WITH four goals to his name already this season Jamie Cureton has got three more than the entire Burnley team.

The makes the former Norwich City and Bristol Roves man the player that Mark McGregor will have to keep a very close eye on.

After his man of the match display against the Blades at the weekend McGregor is entitled to believe his Burnley career has now properly started after last season's frustrations on the sidelines.

And with Arthur Gnohere suspended and skipper Steve Davis still an injury doubt, McGregor could again feature in central defence where he did so well in partnership with Ian Cox at the weekend.

He is not the biggest presence on the field but he relished his battle against the twin threat provided by Iffy Onuora and Carl Asaba.

Those two are in the big target man mould but Cureton, who is 27 tomorrow, is a very different type of player. Quick, small and agile he is also the scorer of spectacular goals as he has a fierce shot on him.

He has struck 45 goals in just over two seasons at Reading, at a rate of better than a goal every two games and he played a key role in their promotion.

It was his late goal at Brentford on the final day of last season that spared the Royals the agony of a play-off battle.

Like McGregor, Cureton is relishing the chance to compete at first division level and both men have made good starts to their season, even if their clubs have struggled.

Jamie Cureton

Born...Bristol

DOB...28/8/75

Height...5ft 8in

Weight...10st 7lb

Honours...England Youth

Former clubs...Norwich City, Bournemouth (loan), Bristol Rovers

Mark McGregor

(pictured below)

Born...Chester

DOB...16/2/77

Height...5ft 9ins

Weight...12st 8lb

Former club...Wrexham