The 34-year-old, named on the bench for the first time in 12 games, came on to net a deserved equaliser for the Clarets.

And after his first goal of the season, the Burnley cult hero beamed: "It's one of the best nights of my career, most definitely, I certainly enjoyed it – everyone did.

"The most important thing was to go out there and enjoy it, and we managed to do that.

"I thought we deserved it in the end, we came here and went forward.

"We didn't sit back, we tried to score goals, and as much as they attacked, we attacked as well.

"We came here relaxed, and you could see that from the performance.

"Most of us may never play here again, so we gave it 100% and it paid off for us."

Akinbiyi had been linked with a loan move before Owen Coyle insisted he remains in his plans and Akinbiyi was delighted to get the opportunity to remind Coyle of his abilities: "I've always said whenever I get my chance, I'll try and take it, same as the other lads.

"But for Jay Rodriguez, we wouldn't be here now, he had his chance against Fulham and took the opportunity, and everyone was delighted for him.

"I got a great chance, and I managed to take it."

However, he added: "I don't mind if I'm dropped for the next game, to be honest, I'll just get on with it and try and do my best when I'm called on.

"In my career, people always seem to say I'm trying to prove people wrong, but I'm just here to prove to myself."

Akinbiyi celebrated his goal in typical fashion, ripping off his shirt to show off his muscular physique, right in front of the 6,100 Claret and Blue army.

That strike earned the Clarets extra-time and a penalty shoot-out.
And Akinbiyi admitted he was feeling the tensionas he was next in line, had Jon Obi Mikel converted to make it 5-5: "I got really nervous as extra-time went on, and in the penalties.

"Thankfully Beasty saved the penalty because it was counting down to me!
"I think I was next in line, Grezza was asking 'who wants to take it?', and nobody said anything!

"Beasty had a big, big night, but I think everyone did, but we have to carry this on and continue enjoying ourselves.

"Hopefully we can continue this at QPR, obviously the adrenaline is still pumping, so we've got to forget this now and concentrate on the league.

"Not a lot of people have taken notice of us, but we're doing well in our league, and still not a lot of people are speaking about us.

"Hopefully that carries on, and we just keep sneaking up in the league."