A FORMER Pars striker has backed Nicky Clark to continue his rich vein of form and propel the club into promotion contention.

Mark Burchill has hailed the contribution of Dunfermline's leading marksman and believes he can more than double his tally of eight goals this season and help them achieve a top-four finish.

During a three-year spell at East End Park that included an appearance in the 2007 Scottish Cup final, Burchill certainly knew the route to goal, hitting the net 24 times in 84 games as an Athletic player.

He has been impressed with the turnaround in fortunes for Allan Johnston's team, who have gone nine games unbeaten, and, speaking to Ladbrokes News, he believes the scoring exploits of Clark will be key to their success.

He said: "I'm impressed Allan Johnston managed to get him because, in my view, he has the quality to be at a Ladbrokes Premiership club. But that's testament to the draw which Dunfermline have as a club.

"His finishing is fantastic and he's an excellent all-round player. For me, has the quality to score 20+ goals in that division, and I think he'll reach that milestone this season.

"If you'd asked me ahead of the season whether Dunfermline would get a top spot, I'd have 100 per cent said 'yes'. When you look at the squad and the budget they have, they're definitely one of the strongest outfits in the Championship, so I was really surprised when they had that slow start.

"But they've had a fantastic run of form in the past couple of months, and what we're seeing now is the real Dunfermline. They've got a very strong bench and I think that strength in depth gives them a real edge in the division. We're seeing players like Nicky Clark really stepping up as well so I think they will finish in the top four now."

Two of Burchill's three seasons as a Pars player were while they were a top-flight club, and he reckons it's only a matter of time before they are back there.

He added: "I think they have the facilities and the foundations to become a club who are consistently finishing in and around the top six of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

"The club have obviously had some financial issues in the past, but it's run by the fans now, and is in a really healthy state. They’ve got everything in place to get back to the Premiership, and I think they will do before long."