Wood aiming to be Clarets’ goal-den wonder

KIWI striker Chris Wood is aiming for a 20-goal season to help keep Burnley on the coat-tails of the Premier League big boys again this season.

Wood is planning on an even bigger impact in his second campaign in the top flight with Burnley, after his £15million switch from Leeds last season.

The New Zealand international scored 10 league goals in 20 starts to help the Clarets become the surprise package of the season, finishing seventh in the table and earning a place in the Europa League qualifiers.

A knee injury kept Wood sidelined for two

LIFT-OFF: Burnley boss Sean Dyche is ready for the Premier League opener months – but he never had a doubt he could make it in the top flight. “I always believed I could step up from the Championship to the Premier League,” he said.

“I have thought that from when I was younger too but it never quite worked out. But I have a manager now in Sean Dyche who trusts me and backs me to do it.

“That’s why I believe there is a lot more to come from me too. I had a good season but I always back my ability. I have a great team around me who supply me with chances so I feel there is a lot more to come.

“It was a frustrating season in a way, it was nice to finish with some goals but being out injured wasn’t great.

“If I can get to 15 or 20 goals this time I think everybody will be extremely happy.”

Wood missed Thursday’s Europa League tie against Istanbul Basaksehir after an insect bite became infected, but is hoping to be fit to face Southampton at St Mary’s today.