Think positive

Burnley's assistant manager outmuscled the odd centre forward in his heyday as a rugged centre half.

And Ellis today made a strong case for the defence by urging the current Burnley back line to think positive and provide the springboard for success over Cardiff.

He said: "We feel we are playing better than results would suggest just lately. We played very well in the first half at Wolves on Tuesday and didn't convert, but sometimes that happens and when it does you have to try to keep a clean sheet.

"We will be going again on Saturday and if we create enough chances then we will win the game.

"If you look at our goalscoring record, particularly away from home, it compares with anybody's, but when you miss those chances you are always on edge and, as a defender, thinking that if you let one in it's going to cost you.

"Sometimes you can get yourselves in a negative frame of mind and that's something you have to get out."

Ellis acknowledged the visit of Lennie Lawrence's side provides yet another stern test in a division chock full of difficult opponents.

He added: "No game we play is easy and Cardiff have done well since they came up. They are a good side, but they have spent a lot of money so they should be.

"Compared to the other teams in our league, they have a good budget and Lennie seems to spend well, so they have got a good chance."

Ellis added: "We have got one or two knocks from the other night and they are recovering.

"And Glen Little being back gives everybody a lift - players and supporters. He did well the other night after a few months of not playing competitively and he can only improve us for Saturday."

Little himself is looking forward to running out at Turf Moor again following a frustrating two months warming the substitutes bench at Bolton.

And now he is back in the first team fold, the talismanic winger is refusing to rule out an extended stay at his spiritual home once his contract expires next summer.

He said: "I gave it my best shot and it just wasn't to be. It's just one of those things and as far as I'm concerned I'm just concentrating on doing my bit for the team and helping them do well.

"I'm out of contract at the end of the season and I don't know what will happen. It doesn't mean the end for Burnley, but you never know.

"I've never really looked to try to leave and think everyone knows while I am here I always do my best.

"I'll do the same this season as I have for the previous six or seven and whatever happens happens.

"I have always like being in the dressing room here. They are a great set of lads - it's just that there's probably not enough of them!"