CHRIS McCann is hungry for more goals as Burnley bid to bolster their play-off credentials over Christmas.

In his second full season at Turf Moor, teenager McCann has continued to establish himself in the Clarets squad.

The 19-year-old has started seven of Burnley's last eight games - and is one short of reaching 20 league and cup appearances for the season.

With Jon Harley suspended for Saturday's 2-2 draw against Sunderland at Turf Moor, midfielder McCann slotted to left-back and gave a solid account in the former Chelsea man's absence.

Last month, he turned in a man-of-the-match display as a makeshift centre-back against Ipswich, scoring a late winner to floor the Tractor Boys.

After finding the net twice this term, the young Dubliner is looking to chip in with more.

"It was nice to chip in with a few goals because I do feel as though I haven't been scoring enough," said McCann.

"I remember the goal at QPR last year with great affection and I do feel I should be getting on the scoresheet more.

"The last-minute winner against Ipswich recently gave me a massive shot of confidence and I feel I haven't really looked back since then.

"I got another against Birmingham in the next home game and I think we were a bit unlucky not to come out of that with something."

McCann added: "The past month was a difficult one for us and although the results weren't as we might have hoped, we deserved more than we actually got.

"But that has gone now and I think the Christmas period will be one of the toughest spells.

"You always need to pick up as many points as you can because it can be a turning point in the league.

"If you can have a good Christmas, it can put you right in contention and that's where we want to be, up among the big clubs."

McCann has shown plenty of patience, waiting his chance for a regular role in Burnley's starting line-up.

He played a pivotal role at the very start of the Championship season when a superb run of results took the Clarets to the top of the league table.

But by his own admission, he suffered a slight dip in form which allowed Micah Hyde and James O'Connor to develop a formidable partnership in the midfield engine-room.

McCann said: "My form dipped early on in the season and I think the gaffer knew himself it was the right time to pull me out.

"Micah and James have done really well together since then and slowly but surely I have managed to get my act back together and get back in contention.

"My form has picked up and I know I need to keep on pushing hard if I'm to achieve anything."