ASHLEY Barnes said he wanted to be a part of the success Sean Dyche is creating at Burnley after signing a new three-year contract.

The 26-year-old has penned a new deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2019, having made his return from a cruciate knee ligament injury back in April.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion striker had a year remaining on his current contract, but having impressed in the Premier League two years ago, scoring five goals, the Clarets have acted swiftly to keep him at Turf Moor.

And after committing his future to the club Barnes paid tribute to the influence of Dyche on Burnley.

"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," he said.

"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."

Barnes eased his way back to fitness after returning in the 2-2 draw at his former club at the start of April, and is now determined to hit top gear with a full pre-season behind him.

"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," he said.

"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."