PHIL Bardsley believes Burnley’s in-form strikeforce have developed a good understanding – even if he does try and aim a kick their way in training.

Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood have scored 12 goals between them since December 30 to help fire the Clarets out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Sean Dyche’s side were beaten 2-0 at Newcastle on Tuesday night but remain clear of the bottom three ahead of Saturday’s home game with Crystal Palace.

And full back Bardsley, who has been a regular starter in recent weeks, has been impressed with his teammates at the top end of the pitch.

“I try to give them a boot in training like defenders do on a Saturday,” said the 33-year-old. “That’s what it’s all about, playing against top players and pitting your wits against them.

“Those two are absolutely outstanding and they’re causing problems for anybody.

“They’ve got a good understanding. Once one gets on the half-turn, the other gets on his bike.

“We’re putting it in areas where we can affect other teams. If you’ve got willing runners and two strikers who are wanting to work their socks off and they can get themselves a goal then it’s brilliant for the team.”

Bardsley believes the creativity in the Clarets midfield has also played a key part in the recent revival.

Dwight McNeil has taken to life in the first team like a duck to water while Jeff Hendrick has been in fine form on the right of midfield.

Bardsley added: “We’ve got good foundations and a good work ethic. We’ve always got a good chance of scoring - not just with the front two.

“There’s Dwight, Jeff and the two lads that came on. There are goals in the squad and it’s up to us to lock the back door and let get the goals.”

Wood and Barnes have new signing Peter Crouch and summer addition Matej Vydra breathing down their necks for a starting spot while the return to fitness of wide players Robbie Brady and Johann Berg Gudmundsson means that Burnley are beginning to get competition for places across the team.

“Everyone knows their jobs and their duties, regardless of whether you’re in the starting XI or coming on,” added Bardsley.

“Johann Berg Gudmundsson came off the bench with Robbie Brady and they’ve made an impact. It’s a team game, it’s a squad, it’s not just about the 11 that’s playing.

“We’re pushing each other every day in training and getting the best out of each other.”