ADRIAN Heath is tipping hot-shot Paul Barnes to burst through the 30-goal barrier, writes TONY DEWHURST.

Barnes goes into today's promotion-searching assignment against Division Two leaders Brentford with 21 league and one FA Cup goal to his name.

That leaves the £375,000 record signing chasing his best ever return of 29, shared between York City and Birmingham last season. Considering Paul only signed for us in early September his goal return is a remarkable one," said Heath.

"It is a terrific strike rate for at any level of football. As a striker myself I know how hard it is be a goalscorer.

"I would never be critical of strikers because they have the hardest job in football.

"It is an art and Paul Barnes works as hard as anyone I've come across at his profession. It would not surprise if he finished the season with over 30 goals."

Barnes' 22 goal haul has included three hat-tricks and he scored all five against Stockport County at Turf Moor in October. Heath added: "You can almost guarantee that if Paul gets three chances in a game then he will score at least one of them.

"That is the sign of a very good goalscorer. The pressure was on him because he was our record signing but his contribution so far has been immense.

"If Paul can make it to 30 goals then that could guarantee us promotion."

Burnley are set to complete the signing of 21-year-old defender Colin Murdock from Manchester United early next week.

Murdock has played in two reserve games for the club and Heath believes he is a top prospect.

Young Turf Moor striker Colin Carr-Lawton has joined Unibond League Premier Division leaders Leek Town on loan.

Colne Clarets: Shrewsbury, April 1: £6.50 (Adults), £5.00 (Conc). 4.00 pm Morris Dancers.

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