Austria call to cap it all for Barnes

ASHLEY BARNES has scaled football’s dizzy heights since his early non-league days at Paulton Rovers in the Southern League.

Loan deals at Eastbourne and Torquay finally saw Barnes join Burnley four years ago from Brighton to later reach the high of European football.

But now the striker, 29 (right) is destined to climb even further to the top – with a possible call-up by Austria for Euro 2020.

Barnes qualifies courtesy of his grandmother and Austria boss Franco Foda has approached him following regular checks on his form.

It is understood the necessary paperwork is at the final stages and Barnes added: “It would be a great honour but first and foremost I have to concentrate on here because everything comes from that.

“Austria could happen in the near future.”

Barnes (right) wants Turf Moor to return to the hell-hole it was for visitors last season when the Clarets finished seventh to bring European football back for the first time in more than half a century. He added: “We are scratching our heads as to the reason for the results and we’ve had a few meetings to try and get to the root of the reason.

“We need to get back to the ugly side of the game. We’ve not made it a tough place to come.”