BURNLEY 1

WACKER BURGHAUSEN 1

IRISH eyes have definitely smiled on Burnley's tour of Austria.

Last Tuesday, against PAOK Salonika, Dubliner Garreth O'Connor came up with a timely equaliser to preserve the Clarets unbeaten pre-season run.

And namesake James had a grin as wide as the River Liffey after completing the programme with a last gasp leveller against Wacker to ensure Steve Cotterill's side go into next week's big kick off at Crewe with confidence levels high.

O'Connor - the flame haired one - displayed perseverence and prowess to rifle his first goal of what could well be a productive campaign.

The Irish terrier scored twice towards the end of last season following his protracted move from West Bromwich Albion.

And with that uncanny knack of popping up in the right place at the right time, there is every chance that his stunning solo effort against the Germans could be the first of many over the coming months.

"That goal was a reward for James because quite probably, in pre-season, he has been arguably one of our most consistent performers," insisted Cotterill.

It's hard to argue with that assessment, or the wider relevance the entire Clarets midfield could have on Burnley's upcoming campaign.

Of the five goals scored in pre-season, four have come from that area of the field, from both O'Connors, Graham Branch and Wade Elliott.

Naturally, everyone is itching for the two strikers, Gifton Noel-Williams and Ade Akinbiyi, to get their own tallies up and running sooner, rather than later.

But until that happens, it's vital that those tasked with creating the chances also come up with goals.

The sad thing is that both front men failed to register at the fifth attempt on Saturday, especially in the first half when Burnley totally dominated the Bundesliga Two side.

Noel-Williams twice came within a whisker, first with a wicked spin and shot from 25 yards that was just off target and then when James O'Connor slid him in for an angled shot that was scrambled for a corner.

Akinbiyi also had his moments, although this was a day when virtually nothing went right for him.

But the closest Burnley came to breaking through in the first half was when John McGreal met Garreth O'Connor's corner with a downward header and the ball bounced back off the inside of the post.

McGreal was narrowly off target with another bullet header and Akinbiyi followed suit two minutes before the break following great wing play from Elliott, who tweaked his groin in the process and was instantly withdrawn.

With depleted numbers leading to a full debut for second year apprentice Chris McCann and Michael Duff and Danny Karbassiyoon both nursing injuries, Cotterill opted to start the second half with 10 men, rather than risk Micah Hyde's hamstring too early.

That allowed Wacker to gain a foothold in the game and they finally grabbed the lead in the 64th minute, just four minutes after Hyde's introduction.

Michael Wiesinger found room in the box to cross for substitute Robert Paul, who made no mistake from a few yards out.

As the clock ticked down and Burnley's players began to feel the strain after a hard week training in searing heat, Danny Coyne made a terrific save from Sebastian Kneissl to keep the Clarets in touch.

And that proved decisive in the dying seconds when O'Connor rode two challenges, kept his balance superbly and drilled a low shot in off the post.

Burnley: Coyne, Sinclair, McGreal, Thomas, Branch, Elliott (Hyde 60), J O'Connor, McCann, G O'Connor, Akinbiyi, Noel-Williams.

Sub not used: Jensen.

Wacker (starting): Gospodarek, N Herzig, Schmidt, Herti, Kacior, Fink, Bonimeier, Forkel, Oslislo, Weisinger, Tiganj.