EX-CLARET Stephen Foster is preparing to do all he can to prevent Burnley getting back on the winning track.

Steve Cotterill's men cross the Pennines in search of their first win in four Championship games when they take on Barnsley on Saturday.

But Foster, who switched to Oakwell from Turf Moor at the end of August, is determined to extend the Tykes' unbeaten run to seven games.

"I've got a lot of friends at Burnley so it's going to be quite a different experience for me on Saturday having never played against an old club before. But it's one that I'm looking forward to," said Foster, who spent a year with Burnley after ending a nine-year spell at Crewe Alexandra in the summer of 2006.

"I'm sure it will be a tough game.

"It's a tough league but Burnley have got as good a chance as any to do well.

"They've got some good, experienced players and I'm sure they will be looking to push themselves up there.

"It only takes stringing a run of results together in this league and you find yourself up there, like we have.

"Maybe results haven't gone as well as Burnley would have lacked recently but that can change.

"Hopefully it won't be this weekend.

"I've got my eye on Barnsley now and doing well for them, and if that means beating Burnley then so be it."

Foster revealed a quest for regular first team football was the only reason he considered leaving Turf Moor after just one season, and the 27-year-old hasn't been disappointed.

"I've settled in well. We've got a good group of lads there, and especially with the way the results have been going it's been enjoyable," said the defender, who has been an ever present in the starting line-up, apart from the Carling Cup second round game at Newcastle United for which he was cup tied having represented Burnley in the first round at Grimsby Town.

"A lot of new lads came in during the summer but the way we seem to have gelled so quickly is pleasing.

"First team football was my only reason for leaving to be honest. I had a good time at Burnley, the lads were great and I enjoyed it in one sense. But every footballer wants to be playing first team football and I felt, at the time, the opportunity to do that at Barnsley was great.

"I started at centre half but through injury (to Robert Kozluk) I found myself at right back.

"Results and displays over the last couple of weeks have been good so the manager is keen to keep the same team and same shape.

"My stronger position is maybe in the centre but I'm just happy playing first team football."

He added: "I still keep an eye out for Burnley's results, as I do with Crewe as well.

"There have been a few changes even since I left, but I know what to expect at least and hopefully we can make it a tough game for Burnley.

"I'm not going to be getting any tips from any of the lads because they'll want to win as much as I do.

"I'm not too sure whether I'm playing or where, but whoever comes in, in whatever position, they've got a good squad at Burnley so it will be a good test."