A Clarets-MAD Irishman travels 200 miles to Burnley every other home game just to watch his favourite football team play.

Hughie Kane, 46, of Blackrock in County Dublin has supported the Clarets since he watched them play on Match Of The Day when he was just 14.

He was quickly drawn in by the quality of their game and now counts himself as one of their most ardent fans.

He said: "I will always remember watching that match as a kid.

"I can't remember who they were playing off the top of my head, but the way they played was pure class, they looked like the ultimate professionals and I have loved them since that day." Hughie is the father of two die-hard Liverpool fans and works as a postman in Blackrock. But Burnley is his number one passion.

He said he would rather watch Burnley play than watching his home team.

He said: "I don't really support any clubs in Ireland, although if I get chance I do sometimes watch the Bohemian's play. But they aren't as good."

Hughie comes to the second home match in every month and stays in the same place every time -- with Alan and Jeanette Rycroft at their home in Cliviger. He spends around £300 a month making the trips.

He said: "I met the Rycrofts through a member of the Burnley supporters club which has around 12 members in Ireland. They are brilliant and always put me and my pal Nial Redmond up, if he comes with me. I don't think about the cost because it is something I really love."

And in terms of reaching the play-offs this season, Hughie thinks the Clarets' chances are good. He said: "We have done so well all season and have stayed within the top six, so there is no reason why we can't get a place in the play-offs.

"I can't make it to watch them play Coventry on Sunday, but I will be watching them on the TV and beaming my Irish good luck across to them."