The French forward has been handed back-to-back league starts and is determined to make the most of his opportunity at Turf Moor after spending much of his Burnley career out on loan.

Hountondji admits working alongside former Premier League champion Vardy has given him a valuable insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

"We have some really good players in the team. Jamie is one of the top ones," said Hountondji.

"He's had an amazing journey and obviously also he's a really good player. He has some good qualities, finishing in the box.

"Even before he came to the club I used to watch some videos of him, of course, because he's a striker and one of the best.

"I learn from him in the club and also his mentality because he has a special one. It's a really, really good way to learn how to be a good striker."

Asked if Vardy knew he had been studying him for years, Hountondji added: "I think he should know. Obviously he used to play in the Premier League, so I watched clips of him."

The 24-year-old also praised the atmosphere within the squad, saying experienced players are always willing to pass on advice.

"Everybody's open to speak to everybody," he said.

"There is no ego or things like this."

After arriving from French Second Division side Caen two-and-a-half years ago, Hountondji has had to be patient. Loan spells in Belgium and Germany formed a key part of his development before he returned to Turf Moor hoping to finally make his mark.

Jamie Vardy is proving to be a mentor for Andreas Hountondji (Image: PA)

Now, after consecutive league starts, he believes he is beginning to reap the rewards.

"It's always good as a player to get some minutes," he said.

"Also have some games to reform myself or where I need to improve, where I need to get better, so it's a good base to build on and try to get better."

Hountondji says starting matches rather than making brief substitute appearances has accelerated his progress.

"There's two aspects because first of all, when you're a player, when you come on late in a game, the game is not the same as when you start," he said.

"There are videos where you can look at yourself, see where you're not good enough, see where you are doing good, see your positive and negative aspects of your game. It's a good base for me to improve and try to get better."

The striker is happy to play wherever required to remain in the team.

"I want to play," he said. "I'm a striker, I like to play in the centre, but if I can play on the side or whatever, where I can play, I just play it."

Reflecting on his Burnley journey so far, Hountondji added: "I came here two and a half years ago. It was a top move for me to come here. I discovered this really, really good club with big ambition.

"It was a big step for me because I came from the French Second Division, so I had to improve a lot.

"I had this loan in Belgium which was good for me last year. I had also a good loan for me in Germany, the first time of my career that I played in one of the top five leagues.

"Now I'm back and I'm trying to keep building, trying to improve, try to get better and deserve this game time that I want, so that's the journey for me at Burnley."