ADRIAN Heath's hunt for a striker could have ended temporarily - in his own backyard!

Because the early season form of rookie centre-forward Andy Cooke has offered Heath food for thought as he scours the nation for extra firepower.

Cooke opened his account with a powerful header at Mansfield in the 3-0 Coca-Cola Cup cruise at Field Mill.

He has offered enough to suggest Heath will give the 22-year-old an extended run alongside Kurt Nogan to help spearhead the Clarets attack for tonight's game against Shrewsbury.

"I've never not thought of playing Andy Cooke and he's done ever so well so far," said Heath.

"He's a really hungry young player who is keen to learn the game.

"He's always first to training and last to leave. He has a great appetite for the game and a real thirst for extra knowledge.

"He wants to learn. That is not always the case with young players these days. What I'd say to Andy Cooke is listen, learn and watch."

Cooke broke into the Clarets first team last season after former manager Jimmy Mullen snapped up the League of Wales player from Newtown 15 months ago.

His goal-scoring at non-league level was prolific and led Cooke to be dubbed the "new Steve Bull."

The £35,000 Burnley subsequently paid the Welsh non-leaguers appears, at this early stage, to be a genuine bargain.

"There is no doubt that Andy possesses all the raw essentials for a striker. He is big and brave. A very strong and powerful lad who has a good eye for goal.

"He doesn't give defenders a minute's peace and gets some super tackles in.

"People perhaps forget that he scored several goals last season and quite a few of those were from substitute appearances.

"But he is young in terms of football age. He's still learning the game and at times he's going to need a rest.

"We'll need to take Andy out of the firing line. It's the same with all young players - they need vital time to develop.

"With all respect to Andy I haven't got that much time. The perfect scenario is to bring Andy in, hope he'll score goals, give him a break and put him back in.

"But, if Andy Cooke continues to score goals, then he won't be left out of the team."

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