BURNLEY are desperate to end the season on the front foot after seeing their play off dream fade away.

Fresh from a timely two-week break, the Clarets spring back into action this weekend with a home game against Watford.

The enforced Easter shutdown has allowed for reflection as well as rejuvenation, with just one win in the last eight league games seemingly ending any lingering hopes of Steve Cotterill's side sneaking into the promotion picture.

But that doesn't mean his upbeat players are willing to let the Championship campaign end on a low note.

Skipper Frank Sinclair insisted: "We can't afford just to give up on the season now.

"We still have eight games left and we owe it to everyone to go out and try and win every one.

"There are still some big games to play, with home games against Watford and West Ham in the coming week, and the aim is still to finish the season as high as possible.

"If that's not into the play offs, so be it, but we are looking to carry some momentum forward into next season."

Sinclair, 33, admits he is delighted at the progress the club has made since committing himself to the Clarets' cause last summer.

And the experienced campaigner, who signed an extended two-year deal to his initial 12-month contract last Christmas, insists the fire of ambition still burns bright.

"This season we have exceeded expectations and we can build from there because this club is definitely on the up," added Sinclair.

"I think we are already gearing up for next season and I'm sure the gaffer will be looking to get a squad together, with another three or four signings that will help us to push as serious contenders for at least the play-offs and maybe even automatic promotion.

"It's been difficult (this season) because the gaffer has had to rely on the same band of players week in and week out.

"Obviously it would have been nice to give some a rest along the way, but the squad hasn't been big enough to do that.

"So every credit to the lads for all the effort they have put in to get us where we are with eight games left."

He added: "I think it's also been a good year for the fans. They haven't had too much to shout about in recent seasons, but we've put a few smiles on faces with the cup runs and I think they can see we are definitely heading in the right direction."