GARETH Taylor believes Burnley and Nottingham Forest will both banish their relegation fears over the coming months.

The former Clarets striker is back from his second suspension of the season and ready to lead the line in tomorrow's Turf Moor six-pointer.

And despite both teams needing the victory to pull away from the Championship drop zone, Taylor feels both sides still have enough in their tanks to recover - whoever comes out on the losing side.

"I don't really see either of us being in real trouble," insisted the Welsh international. "It's been a disappointing season for us and I'm sure Burnley would want to be in a better position, but this is such a competitive league.

"I have only seen Burnley a few times on TV, but it's clear they have put on their best displays away from the cameras.

"Some of the results they have picked up at the bigger teams tells you they should have enough in their armoury to keep clear of danger and we know this is going to be a tough match for us."

Taylor, who scored against his former club both times last season after making the £500,000 City Ground switch, cites a tale of woe that is eerily similar to the Clarets own start to this campaign.

He added: "We know we need to improve. We picked up too many draws early on and then too many injuries and suspensions have hurt us.

"We haven't got the biggest squad in the league, like Burnley, and you can't afford to be without so many first team regulars.

"The results say we are not in a false position, but we have to keep believing that we are if we are to pull clear."

Taylor has suffered more than most this season, missing a total of seven games through two red cards - doubling his career tally - and also being sidelined for three more matches through injury.

His latest suspension was served in time to allow him to make his return against Fulham in midweek, with a first start in six weeks looking assured tomorrow due to an injury concern over another former Claret, David Johnson.

But don't expect Taylor, 31, to celebrate a Turf Moor strike with added relish at a club he still holds dear.

"I remember getting the third goal in our win there last year and it didn't seem right to celebrate," insisted Taylor.

"It would be exactly the same this time because I would never rub the supporters' noses in it.

"They were good to me and I had good times there, so it would just feel wrong."

He added: "It will be good to see old faces. The team has changed quite a lot, but there is still a nucleus of the team we had under Stan Ternent and it will be great to see the likes of Ian Moore, Robbie Blake and Tony Grant again.

"I'm also looking forward to seeing Danny Coyne, who is one of my closest friends in football.

"I was so disappointed for Danny when I heard about his injury recently, but I'm probably more disappointed than him because I don't have too bad a record against him!"