NOW we're talking. In last week's column I suggested that although Burnley had done well to turn their season around, they had faced only moderate opposition in doing so.

The time to gauge just how good the Clarets were would come when they faced teams of a higher calibre. Teams just relegated from the Premiership, for example.

Teams with a 100 per cent home record. Teams with a clutch of former and current internationals. Teams like Leicester City.

It should be pointed out that this was no fluke result. Even Micky Adams was magnanimous enough to concede that Burnley had deserved all three points.

But then he was left with little choice. This was a performance which epitomised everything good about this current crop of Clarets. There were heroes in all departments; Marlon Beresford turned in an immaculate display in goal, King Arthur and Ian Cox refused to be intimidated by the aggression of Dickov and Deane, and Steve Davis continues to grow into his new role as midfield general.

All that without mentioning a partnership which is improving with every game. The understanding between Glen Little and Robbie Blake is a threat no team can ignore.

When on song, these two are capable of opening up most defences in this division.

Burnley have long suffered from the problem that if the opposition stopped Glen playing, then the Clarets as an attacking force were greatly diminished. With the addition of Blake, however, this is no longer the case.

One of the beauties of Robbie Blake is that generally, he doesn't concede possession. Play the ball into his feet and he will either beat his man, or make an intelligent pass.

It is rare that a move breaks down due to profligacy on Blake's part. More of the same will be required for this evening's game at Portman Road, as the Clarets look to make it 12 unbeaten.

Ipswich have quality players, but they are not firing at the moment, and Burnley should be able to take a point from the game.

Finally, thanks to fellow scribe Simon Leigh who unintentionally mined a particularly rich seam of comedy last week.

For those not in the know, Simon claimed that nothing less than the pride of the country would be at stake when Blackburn play Celtic in the UEFA Cup. Personally, I struggle to picture the nation huddled round their TV sets yelling: "Come on, Rovers! For Queen and country!" The notion, though charmingly naive, is ludicrously deluded.

Simon then turned his addled thoughts to Burnley's supporters, claiming they "...keep up the self-pretence that they are our main rivals based on historical perspective..."

Wrong again, Simon. The reason we are your main rivals is geographical. It's called local rivalry. And it doesn't matter which league either of us are in at any given time -- that rivalry will always be valid.

Sorry, Simon -- although it clearly irks you, you will have to learn to live with it.