Ashley Barnes has labelled leaving Albion for Burnley a "fantastic opportunity".

And he already has his sights set on playing against the Seagulls later this month.

Burnley currently occupy the second automatic promotion place in the Championship.

Barnes, who has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Turf Moor, said: "I am sorry to leave Brighton, but it was a fantastic opportunity with Burnley and one which I really had to take. I hope fans understand that football can be like that.

"Now I am now looking forward to the next chapter of my career at a new club – but I will take away some brilliant memories from time with the Albion.

"The fans have been fantastic to me, and the last four years have been brilliant. It’s been a rollercoaster, but with a lot more ups than downs – both for the club and me personally."

Barnes is looking forward to a swift reunion with his former colleagues when Albion travel to Burnley on January 28.

He said: "As a professional I will be looking to do my best for Burnley, I'm sure Albion fans will understand that sentiment will be put to one side for that match. Maybe a few will give me a bit of banter from the stands – but I hope most will remember the good things I did for the club."

Barnes begins his Burnley career on the bench at Yeovil tomorrow.