ASHLEY Barnes could play a big part in Albion’s push for the play-offs after helping his new club Burnley to the Premier League.

The former Seagulls striker put the Clarets on course for their promotion-clinching win at home to Wigan on Monday with the opening goal.

It was Barnes’ third since moving from Albion in January for an undisclosed fee, reported in Lancashire as £450,000.

Now his old team-mates will be hoping he remains in goalscoring mood in Burnley’s last two matches of the season against two of Albion’s rivals for sixth place.

They entertain Ipswich in an early kick-off on Saturday, then go to Reading on the final day.

Barnes’ volley against Wigan was a reminder of the success he enjoyed with Albion. He said: “I got one like it at Brighton (against Dagenham) when they got promoted to the Championship. This one was by far the best of my career so far, and it will always remain the best to get to the Premier League. What a feeling.”