WELSH wonder Rhys Carpenter enhanced his growing reputation with a stunning hat-trick in Burnley Youth team's 6-0 romp over Oldham.

The Clarets teenager made it ten goals for the season as the Latics were put to the sword at Gawthorpe on Saturday.

And Youth Team boss Terry Pashley believes Carpenter has all the tools needed to eventually make a name for himself on the big stage.

Pashley said: "Rhys is a natural goalscorer and, just like Andy Payton, it's something you can't coach - it's already there.

"He can score with his left foot, right foot or headers, even though he's not the tallest player around.

"In many ways this is the first season Rhys has had the chance to show us what he can do and it's great to see him grabbing that chance."

Welsh schoolboy international Carpenter arrived at Burnley after becoming the leading scorer in the Victory Shield tournament involving all home nations two years ago.

A back operation effectively wrecked his first campaign, but his progress is now being fast-tracked, along with many other youngsters at the club, by the fact he is being asked to play reserve, as well as youth team, football.

However, Pashley insists it is still to early to expect Carpenter to make his presence felt at first team level and ease manager Stan Ternent's player shortage.

Pashley added: "It's a big step up for any young boy and Rhys needs to be more consistent.

"Hopefully that will come through playing for the reserve team because we have high hopes for him."

Carpenter put Oldham to the sword at the weekend with a first half brace before completing his treble soon after the restart.

The Clarets completed the rout with further goals from Darrell Avery, Joe

Booth and Alex Taylor, who also scored the winner in last week's Lancashire FA Youth Cup victory over Preston.

Burnley now visit Tranmere in the Youth Alliance League this Saturday (KO 11am).