'Incredible example': Ashley Barnes showered with praise after Burnley brace in the cup
Club stalwart Ashley Barnes sets an “incredible example” for Burnley’s younger players.
That’s the verdict of Clarets boss Scott Parker, who was delighted to see the 36-year-old register a brace during the weekend’s 5-1 FA Cup thrashing of Millwall.
The striker has barely featured this season having penned a new one-year deal during the summer, making just five appearances to date.
In fact, Barnes’ cup appearance was his first start since the final day of last season.
As for his goals, it was the first time Barnes had found the back of the net since March of last year in a 4-0 rout of Luton Town. It was also his first brace – for any side – since that derby double against Blackburn Rovers in 2022.
But despite his lack of game time, the forward has kept himself sharp and took his chance with both hands, producing two instinctive finishes to help put Millwall to the sword.
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“He sets an incredible example, an incredible example,” Parker said afterwards.
“I'm so pleased for Ash today, because he's an experienced guy and at this present moment in time, when we're having a bit of a tough time, the help he gives me and the help he gives us as coaches at times in this young squad that are facing different challenges and the adversity that at times we're facing, he's a real positive guy. Sometimes he can be that sounding board for this young group.
“We got this opportunity today and I think it's fair to say that everyone in the stadium wanted him to get his hat-trick.
“I'm really, really pleased. He scores two goals and was well worthy of that with his general performance.”
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