FORMER Burnley favourite Kevin Ball believes it is unfair to put pressure on Andy Gray once he returns from a broken foot.

Striker Gray has made a stunning impact at Turf Moor following his £750,000 summer move from Sunderland, scoring 10 goals in 19 Championship starts this season.

His excellent form quickly banished the memories of a disappointing time on Wearside where he netted just one goal in 22 appearances as the Black Cats dropped from the Premiership.

It was Ball, then caretaker manager at the Stadium of Light, who agreed to let Gray join Burnley on loan in March this year before a permanent switch was completed.

Delighted to see the 29-year-old's career flourishing again, Ball, who ended his playing days with the Clarets, hopes Gray continues where he left off once he recovers from three broken metatarsals to his right foot.

But he believes the Scotland international should be given time to recapture his form.

"It's a shame for Andy because he was doing so well for Burnley," said Ball, now assistant academy manager at Sunderland.

"From a player's point of view, he's first got to come back in two months time. It then may take him a little while to get back into the swing of things.

"It's a real setback to Andy and the club. But when one player gets injured, an opportunity opens up for somebody to go in and stake a claim for a place in the team."

Ball added: "Unfortunately, it did not work out for Andy up here at Sunderland.

"But he's a good player and since he's been at Burnley, he's scoring and creating goals. I'm pleased it's worked out for him."

Ex-Clarets midfielder Ball made 90 league and cup appearances during a two-season stint at Turf Moor between 2000 and 2002.

Now on the Black Cats' backroom staff, he is looking forward to this afternoon's Championship clash.

"I have a great affinity with Burnley. The people there love their football," said Ball.

"I had a couple of great years at Turf Moor and could not have wished for a better place to end my career."