SOUTHAMPTON born Sam Vokes sealed Burnley’s return to the Premier League at the first attempt with a brilliant headed winner against QPR kicking off a promotion party at Turf Moor.

It will mean an emotional return to St Mary's for Vokes, a lifelong Saints fan first taken to a game as a three-year-old by his father, Tim.

Vokes played youth football locally and figured for Brockenhurst before getting his big at Bournemouth.

He was a fitting hero of the day, having missed the back end of the Clarets' previous promotion push through injury as well as a large part of the following campaign.

"It's magic, it's a great feeling," he said.

"You could feel the anticipation around the place when we kicked off.

"Getting that goal sparked relief around the place.

"I missed a lot of the Premier League last season but hopefully I'll get another chance next season."

Sean Dyche’s side came into the match knowing victory would guarantee them a top-two finish in the Sky Bet Championship and the Wales international delivered a 1-0 victory in the 61st minute, rising highest to convert David Jones’ free-kick.

Few could argue the Clarets deserve to retake their place at the top table, and the record-breaking riches that will follow next term, having stretched their unbeaten run to 22 matches dating back to Boxing Day.

They suffered a mild bout of stage fright in the first half but controlled the second, proving they are the division’s most efficient outfit, loaded with grit, determination and pedigree goalscorers.

Manager Dyche added: "The result counted today. We know we are miles better than the performance, but the resilience and work ethic was on show again today.

"Ian Holloway once said we had a strong jaw. He meant it as a compliment. We don't think we are the real deal, not at all, but we're a real group of people.

"Two years ago we went under the radar. This year we have gone 22 games unbeaten and got promotion. That is unbelievable."