CHRIS McCann is bidding to take his goalscoring form into Burnley’s new Championship season after a promising USA tour.

The young midfielder - who celebrates his 21st birthday next Monday - was among the stand-out performers during the Stateside trip.

Despite picking up a hamstring niggle in the opening tour defeat to Carolina RailHawks, McCann returned to action against Minnesota Thunder and sent the Clarets on their way to a 2-0 victory with a thumping header.

It was a typical finish from the 20-year-old - timing his run to perfection to convert Alan Mahon’s corner - and he is now hopeful of bagging a few more in Scotland in the next stage of the club’s pre-season programme.

After flying back from America yesterday morning - in preparation for their three-match tour north of the border, starting with Queen of the South tomorrow - McCann admits the Stateside trip was well worthwhile from his point of view.

“It was brilliant to finish with a win and a goal for me,” said the Republic of Ireland man.

“We were disappointed to lose the first game, but pre-season is all about getting fitness up and, against Minnesota, from start to finish we looked a lot stronger.

“I was pleased to get the goal and, hopefully, that has got me up and running. I want to get a couple more before the end of pre-season and take it into the season.”

On his goal at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota, McCann added: “Mahony put a great ball into the box and I managed to get my head onto it.

“I was disappointed because the PA announcer said it was Steven Caldwell who scored, so he was going around claiming it but it was my goal and I’m very happy with it.”

The Clarets are gearing up for three friendlies in Scotland within the space of five days before returning for next Saturday’s game at Accrington Stanley.

After an exhausting tour of America, McCann admits the next week or so won’t prove any easier, but he is more than ready for the challenges ahead.

“It’s been exhausting (in America). The games were pretty strenuous,” he added.

“We’re now going to Scotland and there will be another lot of tough games, especially after the travelling that’s been involved.

“There isn’t much time to relax, but there’s been a couple of days rest. You’ve just got to get straight into it.”

Burnley’s victory in Minnesota was also a good night for Jay Rodriguez, who capped off a good performance with his side’s late second goal, following good work from fellow youngster Alex McDonald.

McCann has been impressed with the young duo in pre-season and - a product of the club’s youth system himself - is hopeful of passing on his experience to them.

“It was good for Jay to score. He has done really well this pre-season, as have the other young lads Alex MacDonald and Adam Kay,” he said.

“I know the lads from playing in the youth team myself.

“We all get on really well and I’d like to wish them all the best and try to help them as much as possible. I hope they can get in the first team and do well.”