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The 6ft 4" Fermanagh man, who has hit four goals in his last six outings for Northern Ireland, believes he is capable of reaching that particular milestone after hitting the winner against FA Cup semi-finalists Barnsley on Saturday.

"I'd like to finish the season in double figures," said Lafferty, "and I think if I can do that then it could push us into the play-offs, but we'll have to see how it goes."

Lafferty has been playing most of the season on the left of midfield but the 20 year-old was delighted that Clarets boss Owen Coyle decided to give him a run out as the main striker against Barnsley.

"The manager called me into his office, and when he said I was starting up the middle, you should have seen the smile on my face. I just wanted to go and hug someone! Playing left midfield is something I take in my stride because I just really want to be in the team, playing football. However my understanding of the game has improved, because when you're playing on the left you see the runs of your strikers, so I'm watching them make the runs, so I've added that to my game."

Also on the scoresheet in the Championship was West Brom's Chris Brunt who helped the Baggies recover from two goals down to win 4-2 against Colchester United at the Hawthorns.
Meanwhile in League One under-21 international David Howland struck a 93rd minute goal to give Port Vale a 2-1 win over visiting Leyton Orient. Despite the rare victory Vale, who are bottom of the division, look certain to be relegated to League Two, though Howland insists the club are determined to finish the campaign fighting.

"I think we got to the point where we were so low and couldn't get any lower," said Howland, who is on-loan at the club from Birmingham City. "The lads relaxed a little bit and I think we have also got a bit of luck on our side now as well. There's a good team spirit. If we don't stay up - and it looks like we probably won't - it still all bodes well for next season."

In fact there is a strong possibility the 21 year-old could be a part of Vale's squad for next term, "My contract is up at Birmingham at the end of the season and I'm not sure what the situation is. All I'm concentrating on is the fact I'm a Port Vale player at the minute, so I'm giving my best for Port Vale."

Finally another under-21 international Jamie Ward made it four in his last three games following his brace of goals for Chesterfield in their comfortable 3-0 at home to Dagenham & Redbridge.