STAN TERNENT has fired out a defiant promise to Clarets fans: "We can still get in the play-offs."

But, ahead of the clash with Grimsby Town at Turf Moor tomorrow afternoon, he has admitted that there is no longer any margin for error and they have to start adding to their points total.

"We've got to win the games," he said. "We've got enough games left to get enough points on the board to do that.

"We'll have to go on a big run, but we're capable of doing that."

In fact finishing with a flourish is something that the Clarets have perfected under Ternent in all but last season under his charge.

And Ternent explained that was all down to meticulous planning and preparation, dating all the way back to before a ball was kicked in anger at the start of the season.

"Fitness levels are fine and they are monitored all the time," he said. "We work hard in the pre-season, and we've got a decent squad.

"But it's about winning matches, and we need to start doing that ahead of the Grimsby game."

The Mariners may be struggling near the foot of the table but unlike the Clarets they will come into tomorrow's match in confident mood on the back of a good run.

What Ternent would give to have taken seven points from their last three games, and he acknowledged: "It will be very difficult, they're scrapping for their lives.

"This will be the fourth time we've played them this season and normally there's a lot of goals in the games, so we'll see.

"They're on a bit of a decent run at the moment, and we need to maintain the same level of performance against Leicester.

"We had a good victory in the FA Cup, but the league is our priority, and we need to start winning games again.

"It will be hard for us, they will come 4-5-1 and make it difficult, try and get us on the break, and we will have to be tuned in."

That is the formation that Ternent has also used in recent weeks but on Tuesday night they improved after a switch to 4-4-2.

Ahead of the match, he was weighing up his options, considering any potential changes, but will there be any?

"I don't know," he admitted. "I'll see how they are, but I had to take Lee (Briscoe) off against Leicester because he's had this virus, and there's one or two knocks and bits and pieces.

"But I'll pick what I think is the best team for the match like I always do."

Both Ian Cox and Graham Branch are struggling to be fit and Ternent may have a key decision to make in terms of the goalkeeper with Nik Michopoulos putting pressure on Marlon Beresford who has made a couple of high profile errors.

Ternent has not been slow to criticise his players after recent games, although he was pleased with the improvement against Leicester, but he has been full of praise for the supporters.

"The fans have been fantastic, they haven't had a moan, and they've been entitled to.

"No-one likes losing, but it's easier if you lose with a bit of honour. That's what happened against Leicester, but the matches before that are well-documented so the fans have been good."

It was a disappointing gate on Tuesday night for a match against a top side and there is no doubt it is important that the Clarets beat Grimsby in order to keep the season and local interest alive.

Three home games follow tomorrow's game and the fans will be looking for evidence that they have something to believe in. A win after four straight defeats might just be enough to breathe life into the campaign.