NEW signing Ashley Barnes says he has joined a club who he feels have a “massive chance” of winning promotion to the Premier League this season.

The 24-year-old made his Burnley bow as a late substitute at Yeovil Town, the day after penning a three-and-a-half year deal from Brighton.

The Clarets maintained their position in the Championship’s top two with a 2-1 win from their first visit to Huish Park, and first double of the season.

And Barnes believes their promotion challenge can go from strength to strength in the second half of the season. And the striker is looking forward to being a part of it - even if it means biding his time behind leading scorers Danny Ings and Sam Vokes, who both added to their tallies.

“I see it as a massive chance to get promoted.

“The lads have been fantastic all year. I just want to come in and help push over that line,” said Barnes.

“As long as the lads keep playing like they do I’m happy to sit on the bench. I’ve no complaints.

“I’m happy to be the third man and just play a part when I can.

“I’m here to push them on and to help them score even more goals.

“I like as a striker to help your partner, and those two are working so well together, hopefully I can be the third one to help them both.

“We need to push on and get promoted.”

The chance to compete for a Premier League place was one of the big factors in Barnes’ decision to join the Clarets. Manager Sean Dyche was another in choosing Burnley over Leeds United and Wolves.

“Once I spoke to the manager here my mind was made up,” said the centre forward.

“It was close to happening in the summer but it wasn’t to be. I owe every faith to the gaffer because I was the target that he wanted and I’m here now.

“You want to be a wanted man and be somewhere where someone wants you.

“The club sold itself, where they are in the league.

“I needed a fresh challenge and I want to be part of that squad to push for more and help everyone I can around the place.”