IN each of the last two seasons Sheffield United has inflicted damaging defeats on the Clarets at a crucial time.

As he looked ahead to tomorrow's clash at Turf Moor, Burnley boss Stan Ternent admitted: "Perhaps we do owe them one.

"They have done us at Bramall Lane which meant we missed out on the play-offs and and both times it was a hard pill to swallow.

"First time the defeat was the one that ended our chances and last season we were well beaten. Maybe even a goal would have done us but they dashed our hopes.

"But playing them will be no different to playing any other team. We know it will be a tough match, they are a good first division side with good players but we will be ready for it."

The whiff of revenge may well be in the air but the manager knows that tomorrow's clash is absolutely vital for different reasons.

"Getting some points on the board is a priority because we need to get our season up and running," he said.

"It is early but the fact is we have got no points and we have had two matches that are not up to our standards. There were mitigating circumstances but we have to improve and we will."

Despite the injury problems that have disrupted training this week Ternent has been happy with his players' efforts since the defeat at Wolves and he said:" "We have just tried to keep things light And happy as we always do.

"We have prepared properly because we know that every game in the first division is a tough one. There are a lot of good sides and a lot of good players."

Ternent knows that Brad Maylett is still not fit because of a thigh strain and Tony Grant is battling to overcome his foot injury.

Add to that the fact that Arthur Gnohere serves the first game of his three match ban and there have been knocks and niggles suffered by Steve Davis, Glen Little, Nik Michopolulos and Graham Branch and it is little wonder Ternent did not risk any of his players in the reserves match on Wednesday night.

Ian Cox will be available to fill Gnohere's boots alongside Davis in the heart of defence, providing the skipper is fit, while Mark McGregor will be looking to play two successive games for the first time since he joined Burnley just over a year ago.

He impressed his manager in the left back role at Wolves and looks to have earned the chance to make the position his own.

Whoever plays for the Clarets, they will be going out with a clear message from their manager that they have to make a better start.

Against Wolves they let slip an early goal in each half and Ternent explained: "It is important to get a foothold in the game."

But he promised there is no crisis of confidence among his players although he admitted: "The players seem alright but confidence is gained from wining games. This time last year they felt better than they do now.

"But the lads are very good and will just roll their sleeves up."

The manager also praised the support from the fans despite the slow start as he said: "They have been behind us although every club has a minority who aren't. All fans want to see their club do well but so do all managers and all players but you can't win all games."

That said, three points tomorrow would make everyone at Turf Moor feel a good deal better.