IF there is one Clarets player who has made a significant but largely unnoticed contribution to put current standing at the top of the table then it is Michael Kightly.

Our most substituted regular starter has quietly done about his business on the pitch without hitting the headlines until his screaming shot settled the game against Barnsley on Saturday and he must have thought that hitting the winner would keep him on the pitch, especially when the number 14 was flashed on the substitutes board.

But although David Jones trotted off to the sidelines he was quickly waved back on and Kightly was taken off for another early departure.

Yet there were no signs of any discontent or gesticulations towards the manager Sean Dyche as he accepted the decision in a professional manner.

Remember this was once a footballer courted by Sir Alex Ferguson before injuries slowed his progress.

He’s been a more than useful addition and maybe a successful spell with Burnley could rekindle his prospects.