THE more I hear Steve Cotterill, the more I like what he has to say.

There's no room for negative thoughts and such positivity is having a magnetic effect on the players.

At the moment, it's as if they have a belief they are going to go out and win every game they play, no matter who the opponents.

And no matter what you might hear about the squad needing a breather, don't worry about the players because they won't see it that way.

I know from experience that, as a footballer, you would rather be playing twice a week than Saturday to Saturday.

Games equal less vigorous training and more match action, which keeps you ticking over nicely.

The one downside is that, as a result, injuries and suspensions will soon start racking up. But while luck continues to stay on Steve's side, watch those players go!

Certainly West Ham will provide a stern test of the Clarets' credentials tomorrow. But I'm further encouraged we can go there and get a result on the back of a terrific display against Wolves last weekend.

And what about that goal from Robbie Blake? I don't mind going on record as saying it's the best goal I've seen scored in 30 years at Turf Moor. We all know Rob can do that - and that's what makes it so frustrating when he ends up trying it once too often and ends up on his backside.

But players who can perform phenomenal individual moments of magic like that are worth the admission money alone.

However someone I'm not looking forward to seeing again, after hearing the Carling Cup draw, is Paul Ince.

Once a terrific player, he now seems content to march around gesticulating and arguing with the referee.

I saw the ref, Colin Webster, after the game when he came up and introduced himself. I replied: "You're the ref? I thought Paul Ince was in charge?"

Thankfully, he saw the funny side!