ADE Akinbiyi believes the competition up front is the strongest it's been in his two spells with Burnley.

The well-travelled 33-year-old, who returned to Turf Moor from Sheffield United in the last January transfer window, is the Clarets' joint second goalscorer with Robbie Blake. But despite coming off the bench to score four times this season, he hasn't been able to force his way into the starting line-up.

However, with Andy Gray working well alongside Blake to top the goalscoring charts with 13 already, he admits he has no complaints about the two men currently keeping him out of the side.

"Andy has been doing really well and I think Robbie is the key man for the team," he said.

"They are both doing well and I'm trying to fit in amongst them.

"As long as I'm working hard in training and coming off the bench to do something I can't complain.

"Deep down I'm disappointed not to be starting, but the manager does what he has to do and as a professional I've just to get on with it.

"With Kyle (Lafferty), Robbie and Andy, this is the best competition we've had since I've been here."

But although Akinbiyi is the only one of the quartet missing out of the starting eleven, he admits he is having the time of his life.

"I'm really enjoying my time here - more than I ever have in my football career," he admitted.

"I feel more comfortable with everything. I think I'm more relaxed, but that probably comes with age and experience.

"People ask me why I'm not playing, but I say that's because other people are doing well.

"I can't complain at that and when I get my chance I do what I can.

"I can't be disappointed because my time will eventually come. I know that and when the opportunity arises I'll be ready."

New manager Owen Coyle has stressed that every player will be given a platform to impress him and stake a claim for a shirt, whether it is with a start, from the bench or in the reserves.

"With a new boss it's a fresh start for everyone again," Akinbiyi said.

"I think each player reacts differently and some might be more nervous, but the more experienced ones tend to take it in their stride and just get on with their work.

"It's been buzzing in training this week, maybe because there is a new manager and everybody has got to perform. It just gives everyone a chance."

He added: "We know that our home form has dipped and we need to pick that back up. If we carry on playing as we have away from home then we'll get some points on the board, but it's weird.

"We are up for home games on the Friday and then don't deliver on the Saturday. I don't know what it is, but something has got to change and hopefully it will start today because our aims since the summer have been to make the play-offs and that's still the case.

"We've certainly got the team to do it.

"It's just a case of believing in yourself and working extra hard. I think we can genuinely do it as long as we are mentally prepared."