TONY Grant believes Saturday's thrilling 4-2 win over Ipswich has changed Burnley's season.

The Clarets survived a nervy finale to ease their relegation fears thanks to a four-goal salvo from Glen Little, David May, Richard Chaplow and Robbie Blake.

And midfield maestro Grant reckons the spirit in the camp after notching up a notable scalp has banished all thoughts of a battle to stave off the drop.

Grant said: "We really needed that. At 3-0 up we were cruising, but then we sat back a little bit too much and they scored two goals and it could even have gone the other way.

"Sometimes a goal either way can go on to change a season and we got it to win 4-2.

"That is a season changing result in my view because it opens up a little gap."

In-form Grant, who along with Paul Weller starts a one-match ban after tomorrow night's tricky trip to Reading, added: "I don't think we are playing relegation football - we still try to play and not just kick our way out of it.

"We are 3-0 up on Saturday and then Ian Moore could have scored and then Glen clipped the post.

"That could have been 5-0, which is frightening because Ipswich are near the top of the table and a good side that is not up there on luck.

"Now there are still plenty of games to go and we just need to keep on going."

Meanwhile, ex-Clarets defender Drissa Diallo has expressed his disappointment at receiving a poor reception from Burnley fans on his return to Turf Moor.

Diallo was booed every time he touched the ball as fans made their feelings known on his move from Burnley to Ipswich last summer.

The Guinean defender admitted: "I was very disappointed with the fans because I gave everything for Burnley in my time here.

"The manager knows it is not my fault I left the club and I still have a good relationship with Stan and the players.

"I do not know why they boo me, but that is the way it is. I was one of the favourites last season and I don't know why, but it is a shame because they were so great with me and then they turned."

Diallo, who appeared in an unaccustomed left back role before being substituted in a tactical switch at the break, added: "It was not the happiest return, and it certainly could have been better.

"But Burnley deserved their victory. They played high up the pitch and made it very difficult for us by showing more determination and fighting spirit. We could not cope with that."