ADE Akinbiyi has vowed to carry on giving referees hell after scorching to the top of the Championship goalscoring charts.

The Burnley striker is blazing a trail with 13 goals, including a recent hat-trick at Luton and the crucial equaliser in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Southampton

Akinbiyi believes he has resurrected his goalscoring reputation at Turf Moor since hounding officials in the tunnel before kick off.

And even if the goals begin to dry up, Burnley's feared hitman intends to keep up the playful banter.

"One of my superstitions is hammering referees in the tunnel," insisted Akinbiyi.

"It's all fairly good natured stuff and I usually just say 'Have a good game, you're due one!', or something like that.

"I started doing it for a bit of a joke but since I started scoring regularly I make sure I do it before every game.

"All the refs have taken it well so far and some have even given me a bit of stick back. But even if I stop scoring, I'm still going to give them some lip."

Akinbiyi has an extra incentive to keep finding the net over the coming weeks and months.

The former Leicester City striker is just two goals away from pocketing £50 in a bet with Clarets kit man Daryl Bielby that he would score 15 before Christmas.

It remains even money, with just today's trip to Sheffield United and next Saturday's home clash with high-flying Watford to go before the big day comes.

"A few weeks ago I bet Daryl that I would score 15 goals before Christmas. He said 'no chance' and told me I would probably get around 10, so it's not looking too bad for me," added Akinbiyi.

"At the moment, my target for the season is 20 but I might change all that if I get to 15 by Christmas. I didn't suggest any money to start with but I'm sure Daz mentioned £50 so I'll be chasing him for that if I win."

Akinbiyi goes into today's clash at Bramall Lane two goals ahead of Cardiff City's Cameron Jerome in the Championship charts. Meanwhile, close friend and former Crystal Palace team mate Andy Johnson - the bookies' pre-season favourite - languishes way down the list with just six goals after a spell out injured.

But Akinbiyi still feels the England international will be the man to beat when the Golden Boot is handed out.

"I was with Andy at Crystal Palace and he has always been very supportive and told me to keep on scoring, even when things weren't working out for me.

"That's certainly what I'll have to do if I want to finish as top scorer because I'm sure he will be there or there abouts."