Sean Dyche claims Ashley Barnes is Burnley’s answer to Jamie Vardy.
Burnley boss Dyche claims Barnes has the same grit and determination as England striker Vardy because they have both fought their way up to the top from non-league.
The two strikers will go head-to-head at the King Power Stadium on Saturday and Dyche says they are an example to any aspiring non-league player.
“They’re both fine players in different ways,” said the Burnley boss.
“Vardy for what he’s done and continues to do. Barnesy is the same and they continually earn the right to push their careers. That’s a brilliant thing for anyone to look at.
“Certainly if I were a non-league player, I’d be looking at them and thinking it can be done because those two are living proof.”
Dyche revealed he tried to sign Vardy before he joined Leicester but could not match Fleetwood’s £1million asking price.
“We were in for him but we were in for him for about £2.50,” he said, joking. “We offered £2.97 and some bibs and some balls at the time. It was a lot of money, but the risk has paid off 10 fold or however many fold.”
Vardy will return to action after being given a holiday by Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers following his wife Rebekah's on-going feud with Coleen Rooney.
Vardy's wife Rebekah has been embroiled in a furious online row with Wayne Rooney's wife after she accused her - or someone with access to her Instagram account - of leaking stories to the press.
The sensational row has been dubbed 'Wagatha Christie' after Rooney's wife claimed she set a trap to unmask the culprit.
Foxes boss Rodgers reflected: “All we ever offer is support to all the players and their families.
“I was aware of what went on last week. I had given Jamie a few extra days anyway to get away with his family and have a rest.
“I am sure it was a difficult week. But we are here to support him and his family if they need it.
“I spoke to Jamie earlier on in the week. He has trained fine and been great this week.”
