CLARETS young gun Jay Rodriguez is hoping his goals will do the talking as he looks to play a major role in the club’s Championship assault.

The Burnley-born striker opened his account for the season with a neat finish in the reserves’ 6-0 romp over Oldham Athletic in Stalybridge on Tuesday night.

His contribution is likely to have been noted by manager Brian Laws, who also has experienced strike trio Chris Iwelumo, Steven Thompson and Martin Paterson at his disposal.

And the 21-year-old admits keeping his name on the scoresheet, for the second string or not, is essential in raising his chances of a regular first-team berth.

“I’m very hungry. I’m 21 now so I’m looking to knock on the door and hopefully get a chance,” said Rodriguez.

“I have been involved, which gives me encouragement. But I can only focus on myself and keep working hard.

“I am always looking to improve by playing in reserve games and in training I try and improve every time I go out.

“I just have to work hard, keep my fitness up and keep scoring and see how it goes.”

Rodriguez came off the bench for a 15-minute cameo in Burnley’s opening day victory against Nottingham Forest, suggesting he is very much in the thoughts of Laws.

He will now be hoping for more opportunities following a frustrating last 12 months at Turf Moor that saw him go without a single Premier League appearance and break his ankle.

With an encouraging pre-season under his belt, that included scoring two penalties on the club’s three-game trip to Singapore, Rodriguez insists he will continue to do everything possible to get his name on the team-sheet.

He added:“All I can do is keep working hard at my game and improving.

“It was a good experience to go to Singapore in pre-season and play in different conditions.

“I got my two goals from penalties and enjoyed it out there and coming back here to play for the reserves is good to get your game going again.”