Ashley Barnes signs new three-year deal with Clarets

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man, 26, who had one year remaining on his current deal, returned to the side after his cruciate ligament injury last season to make eight appearances and help the side win the Sky Bet Championship title.

And having extended his stay at the club until 2019, Barnes is fully focused on making his mark in the Premier League again next season.

He said: “It’s great to have it signed, sealed and delivered. It’s come around quite quickly over the summer so it’s good to get it done.

“The main thing for me is getting back fit. I showed that last year towards the end of the season but not to the best of my ability.

“This year it’s now up to me to crack on and hopefully cement a spot in the team.

“You want to try and progress to help the team in any way possible and I’m hoping that I can do that again in the Premier League.

“We know what a tough league it is, the best in the world and lucky enough we have got a shot at it to see what we can do.”

Barnes arrived in January 2014 and scored a decisive goal of the season contender against Wigan months later to help seal a memorable promotion-winning campaign.

He then forced his way into the starting line-up in the top-flight, where impressive performances saw him finish as joint-second top goalscorer with five goals, including a stunning strike in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City.

With the club now back in the Premier League, Barnes was quick to pay tribute to his manager Sean Dyche in the way he has taken the club forward during his tenure.

Barnes added: “The gaffer and what he’s done for this club since he has been here has been brilliant and everything going on behind the scenes shows you it is heading in the right direction.

“I want to be a part of that so it was an easy decision to sign a new deal.

“All parties were happy because my family are settled here now so I’m looking forward to the next few years.”