EX-CLARET Ade Akinbiyi has urged Burnley’s young striker Jay Rodriguez to embrace the competition for places, not fear it.

The new season is tipped to be an important one for the Burnley-born front man, who turns 21 next month.

But with strapping Scotland international Chris Iwelumo arriving this summer from Wolves, sharp-shooter Martin Paterson signed up on a new contract, Steven Thompson extending his Turf Moor stay and Billy Sharp tipped to be added to the squad next week, Rodriguez faces a fight for his place.

But Akinbiyi, who mentored the 20-year-old during his second spell with the Clarets, says Rodriguez is the one to watch.

“He is still young and learning, but he is already a good finisher, he has a great touch for a player his size, he is good on the ball and has great composure,” said the 35-year-old.

“I know what he’s about because I’ve seen it first hand.

“He’s got unbelievable skills, and if I was the manager I wouldn’t have any doubts about playing him.

“I think he could do well in the Championship next season.”

Rodriguez began to make the breakthrough in Burnley’s promotion campaign, during which he came off the bench to provide the launchpad for their memorable Carling Cup run with a sublime finish that secured a late 1-0 win over Premier League side Fulham.

He bookend a list of Premier League scalps with a fine goal in the semi-final second leg against Spurs.

But the Clarets’ spell in the top flight meant his progression was curtailed as both Owen Coyle and Brian Laws opted for a more experienced strikeforce, while a broken ankle he suffered playing for the reserves early in the campaign also held him back.

“I knew it was going to be tough for him to get games in the Premier League, but I thought he would have got a bit of a run in the side towards the end, when relegation was confirmed, to show the manager what he can do,” said Akinbiyi, who became a cult figure during both spells at Turf Moor under Steve Cotterill and Coyle.

“That has to be his aim in pre-season now.

“He played in a few reserve games but it’s nowhere near the same.

“I’m disappointed for him that he didn’t get a chance last season. I know he was frustrated at times, but he is still young and has got time on his hands and hopefully he can do a job this season.

“It will be an important pre-season for him to show the manager how he plays.

“Everyone needs competition and he shouldn’t fear it.

“He is confident in himself and I don’t think he has anything to worry about.

“Other players are more likely to be worried about him.”