MICHAEL Keane does not expect to stay Burnley’s top scorer for long with the club’s wealth of strikers, despite the Clarets losing one of them.

Summer signing Jelle Vossen was set for a dramatic return to his native Belgium, with Club Brugge, just eight weeks after signing from RC Genk.

Although a deal had not been finalised last night at the time of going to press, it looked inevitable after Club Brugge broke the news on the club’s official website.

Vossen failed to score in four starts and five appearances for the Clarets, the final one coming as a second half substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Bristol City.

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But with seven strikers still on Burnley’s books, although only six available with Ashley Barnes a long-term casualty, Keane is expecting to be caught up in the goals for column.

The defender, who took is tally to three with a decisive header from David Jones’ corner at Ashton Gate, said: “It’s nice, though I don’t expect it to last for long with the players we’ve brought in.

“I’ve scored eight in a season before but that includes reserve football. In the Championship it’s been three so I’ve levelled it already.

“I’m not going to set a marker but hopefully I can keep it up for a while and get a few more.”

Sam Vokes is so far the only striker to score for Burnley this season.

Ben Mee got the first in similar fashion to Keane on Saturday, while Matt Taylor equalised in the first home game against Birmingham City with a stunning free kick.

Vokes’ is the only goal from six in the Championship to be scored in open play, while all bar Taylor’s have been headers.

But with Andre Gray the latest to be added to Burnley’s ammunition, as a club record £6million signing from Championship rivals Brentford following his 18 goals last term, Keane believes it is only a matter of time before they start firing on all cylinders.

“Andre showed us the power that he’s got and the quality. It was unfortunate that he didn’t get too many chances but I’m sure he’ll get a lot of goals for us and he’ll be a great asset to us,” said the defender, who after scoring the winner the previous weekend against Brentford was pleased to contribute to another win.

“If we can keep scoring goals from set plays it’s an added bonus really.

“We need to be a bit more fluid in our general play sometimes to create proper opportunities but it’s always good to score from set plays. It helps when defenders chip in with a few.”

And Keane is expecting latest signing Joey Barton to make an impact too, after the midfielder met up with the squad for the first time yesterday.

“Joey brings his experience to the squad and he’s won promotions before so he’ll be a leader for us,” said the 22-year-old former Manchester United youngster.

“He’s got a lot of quality as well so we’re looking forward to having him.

“His experience will pay off in this division and his character around the dressing room will help. I’m sure he’ll be good for us.”