WHEN a £1million striker scores the first senior hat-trick of his career you might expect him to grab the match ball, rush to the press room and tell the world about it.

But Clarets star Ian Moore opted to keep a low profile after his FA Cup treble had ended the Canvey Island dream, preferring to share his moment of triumph with the players who had backed him during his lean spell earlier this season.

It has been well documented that Moore, Stan Ternent's record signing, went 13 games without scoring earlier this season.

As his goalless streak reached double figures he was heavily criticised on a radio phone-in and it was after that he decided to let his football do the talking.

And with a current hot streak of seven goals in six games the message is coming over loud and clear - Mooro is back!

That is not to say he ever went away. Along with Nik Michopoulos he is the only ever present in the league side this season and has featured in every match, coming on as a substitute in the Worthington Cup clash with Rushden and Diamonds.

With his strike partner Gareth Taylor out for three weeks with an ankle injury, even more responsibility will rest on Moore when the Clarets travel to Selhurst Park at the weekend to take on Wimbledon.

At least it is a happy hunting ground for the 25-year-old as it was against Crystal Palace at the start of December that he ended his goal drought in spectacular style.

And the way the rest of the team rushed over to celebrate with Moore after his winning double illustrated the spirit that exists in the Clarets camp.

Throughout his barren spell there was never one word of criticism for the player from any of his team mates or any of the coaching staff.

Time and again Ternent has stressed that he did not spend £1million on Moore simply for goals, he was buying a front man with boundless energy, great pace and a willingness to run till he drops for the sake of the team.

That is why his place was never in doubt even when the goals dried up.

The double against Palace was followed by a sharp finish against his former club Stockport County, a fierce near post drive for a consolation goal in the 5-1 defeat at Maine Road and then Saturday's hat-trick at Turf Moor.

In that spell he also managed to have the miss of the season, failing to head home from two yards after Alan Moore's shot had been tipped on to the crossbar by the keeper at Preston North End.

His reaction to that miss was typical. He did not dwell on the error but simply dusted himself down and got on with his job.

Saturday's match winning display was a reward for a man who has never stopped trying this season and also the manager who has stuck by him.

But it is also a reward for the fans who, with a few exceptions, never got on his back when he could not find the net.

That is why his goals at Palace were celebrated in front of the impressive travelling support. All those heading to South East London this weekend will be hoping to see a repeat performance.