Austria's Franco Foda to scout Burnley's Ashley Barnes against West Ham
Monday 5 March 2018 12:26, UK
Austria head coach Franco Foda will be at the London Stadium on Saturday to scout Burnley forward Ashley Barnes when the Clarets face West Ham.
The Bath-born 28-year-old qualifies through an Austrian grandparent and represented Austria at U20 level in 2008.
Austria assistant managers Imre Szabics and Thomas Kristl have already scouted Barnes this season.
"We are monitoring Ashley Barnes," Foda told Austrian news agency APA. "I will also watch him live in action next week. We'll have the sporting quality, and that will be crucial to make the next steps."
Barnes has scored five goals for Burnley this season, with Sean Dyche's side seventh in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the forward has also explained his unusual goal celebration, where he framed his eyes with his hands, after he levelled for Burnley against Everton in the 2-1 win on Saturday.
Barnes told the club's official website his inspiration was team-mate Ashley Westwood, who collected him ahead of the game: "I got picked up by him on Saturday morning and I was looking and thinking 'who is that looking through the letterbox?'
"Obviously it was little Westy, who was just the right height to look through!
"We had a little joke about it in the car, so it was good to get the celebration out there."
