Burnley great Billy Hamilton believes it is unfair to judge Kyle Lafferty on how many goals he scores while he learns his trade.

Striker Lafferty's reputation as one of the hottest young prospects outside of the Premiership has gathered momentum over recent weeks.

Stepping in to replace injured frontman Andy Gray, the 19-year-old Northern Ireland international has done himself no harm by scoring three Championship goals in his last three games.

His first December strike came in the 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town, where his superb 25-yard left-foot shot was cancelled out by a stoppage-time penalty.

Lafferty has followed that up with two clinical finishes in last Saturday's 2-2 draw against Sunderland at Turf Moor, his first ever brace since signing a professional contract with Burnley.

With Gray sidelined until February with three broken metatarsals to his right foot, Lafferty is likely to earn an extended run in the Clarets side.

But Hamilton, who made 200 Burnley appearances between 1979 and 1984, reckons his young countryman should be allowed to play without too much pressure on his shoulders.

"Lafferty's only a young man and still learning the way he has learned in the past," said Hamilton.

"It's wrong to put too much pressure on such a young player.

"But he's very level-headed and I think he won't allow anything to affect him.

"I'm pleased to see him among the goals for Burnley.

"He's got to be getting in positions where he can score.

"He's not going to score in every game.

"One half of the art of goalscoring is being in the right place at the right time.

"That only comes with experience. It is unfair to judge him on goals and how many he scores over a period of time.

"But I know he will score when the opportunities come his way."

While Lafferty's aerial ability is one of his major strengths, Hamilton insists there is much more to the teenager's game.

The Turf Moor legend points to Lafferty's recent goals as an example of his all-round qualities.

Hamilton added: "You would expect him to get his fair share in the air, but he's techincally very good on the deck.

"I've watched him closely for a few years now. He is good with the ball at his feet and he's got a terrific shot on him.

"Playing regular football can only do him the power of good.

"He will learn a lot more about his own game playing every week for Burnley.

"It's unfair what has happened to Andy Gray. I was at the Leeds match and Gray's injury was very unfortunate.

"But it's a big opportunity for Lafferty to take his opportunity at club level. If I was him, I would be wanting to grasp this chance with both hands."