Burnley forward Ashley Barnes has seen a lot of change during his time at Turf Moor.

Barnes has made 280 appearances so far for the Clarets, being part of two promotion-winning squads and scoring some crucial goals along the way.

The forward takes pride from what he has achieved in East Lancashire but insists he still has lots more to give.

“It has been incredible,” he told The Lancashire Telegraph. “As a kid I just wanted to play one professional game, let along how many I have had now.

“I try to explain it to my son but he doesn’t quite get it. He doesn’t like football too much at the moment! It is something that my family can look back on as well and say, ‘what a great achievement’.

“But obviously it is hard to look back at the moment because I am still enjoying it and I have still got so much to achieve.”

Vincent Kompany’s men are on track to secure an immediate return to the Premier League, boasting a 12-point lead over second-place Sheffield United at this stage.

Barnes is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and knows there is still plenty of work ahead, but the 33-year-old admits this season has been one of his favourites at Turf Moor.

“It will definitely be right up there,” he added. “It will be one of the special ones, for sure.

“The table doesn’t lie and you look at it and think, ‘wow’. Especially with all the new people who have come in, the whole thing has gelled so quickly.

“I think everyone will have written us of at the start of the season so it is nice to prove everyone wrong and show what you are about.”

The Clarets make the short trip to Bloomfield Road this afternoon, and Barnes is relishing another Lancashire derby.

“I love these games,” he explained. “Every time I get to put on the shirt it is amazing. But especially the derby games when you are hated and you get to come out, show what you are about and just enjoy the moment.”

The forward’s current Burnley deal is set to expire this summer, but he is relaxed about his contract situation.

Barnes is keen to remain in East Lancashire, but right now his focus in on the job at hand heading into the business stage of the season.

“I want to stay for as long as possible, I literally love it here. I love working with the gaffer and everything,” he added.

“But it’s just one of those things that we’ve not really spoken about at the moment. I think let’s keep it one game at a time, as we say, and worry about us. 

“When that happens at the right time, there might be a chance to sit down hopefully.”