ANDY Gray has put his goal-scoring form down to red-hot competition in attack.

The 29-year-old, who was sidelined for two months last season with a broken metatarsal, made it five goals in five games thanks to his double in the 3-2 win over Colchester United.

Gray got on the end of Wade Elliott's right-wing delivery to volley home Burnley's second, after Alan Mahon had put the Clarets in front, then added the third from the spot.

And he believes the service provided from the wings has played a massive part in his goal-a-game ratio.

"It's always nice to score, especially nice to come away from home and win," said the former Sunderland striker.

"My volley wasn't as good as Alan Mahon's I don't think but they all count.

"Wade Elliott's ball was a great ball in, Alan Mahon put another one in during the second half for me which the keeper managed to save."

And that was one of several chances with which Gray went close to underlining his impressive strike-rate by scoring a career first hat-trick at Layer Road.

Gray added: "You just play your own game. It doesn't really matter who scores - obviously it's nice as a striker when you do score - but as long as you win the game.

"We had to win because having missed last week's game and without a game next week it was vital we won.

"But it's really pleasing, especially after my injury halfway through last season, that I've hit the ground running."

And Gray is relishing the competition generated up front between himself, Robbie Blake, Ade Akinbiyi and Kyle Lafferty, as well as the pressure for places running throughout the Burnley squad.

"I think it's healthy to have four strikers, four very good strikers, and the manager at any time can play any two, or sometimes maybe three, or maybe one.

"I think it's definitely good for competition, and also if anyone gets injured as well.

"I feel fine, touch wood. I'm just hoping to stay fit. You never know what's round the corner so I'm hoping to do as well as I can and win as many games as we can.

"We've got different options, and not just strikers, it's all the way through the squad as well.

"There's at least two players in every position, which is something we've not really had over the last couple of years. This year we've got a lot of experienced players as well, which is good.

"You want to win every game you play in. It was a bit disappointing losing at Scunthorpe, apart from that it's been a good start, and long may it continue."