Burnley's Jay Rodriguez enjoying the healthy competition alongside his fellow strikers

Jay Rodriguez of Burnley celebrates with Chris Wood and teammates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley FC at Old Trafford on January 22, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

But that healthy competition for places has always been a driving force for Burnley's strike force.

The current quartet at Turf Moor is close to being given a clean bill of health with Jay Rodriguez getting back on the grass while Ashley Barnes isn't too far behind.

And Rodriguez, 30, says that they're all working hard and being typically supportive of each other as they look to make a difference in the final nine games.

"We’re all ready to go," he said. "That competition is really healthy and good in teams, I think you need that."You have to keep pushing each other and I think that’s what’s been good this season, we have been pushing each other and everyone wants everyone to do well.

"It’s been good and it will do us good for the nine games remaining."

Clarets boss Sean Dyche has named a number of different variations this term, but each and every formula has proven to be effective.

Injuries to leading scorers Chris Wood and Barnes had given Rodriguez and Matej Vydra the opportunity to lead the line.

But the New Zealander was reinstalled to the XI on his return to action against Spurs in March.

Rodriguez, who has partnered all three of his team-mates over the course of the season, said: "You can only focus on yourself and make sure you are ready when you’re needed for the team.

"Everyone supports each other throughout the team, I’ve always said this about this group of players, the team spirit is unbelievable and everyone works for each other.

"I think everyone will push each other harder to get better results."

He added: "It's good. All the lads are brilliant and the competition is healthy. When you're on the bench you want the lads to do well, you want them to score and help the team move forward.

"It's great to be a part of this group of strikers and I'm learning all-sorts from each one of them. They've all got different qualities and the bonus is that they're all top lads.

"It's good to go in every day and do your finishing sessions with them and it's just enjoyable to be a part of. I'm always learning off the strikers and trying to mould that into my own game."