FAR from being depressed about the drop from top of the table to sixth since New Year's Day, Burnley's assistant boss Sam Ellis said: "There are a lot of teams that would like to be where we are."

And while manager Stan Ternent claimed that tomorrow's match against Stockport County is a "must win" game following the disappointing defeat at Walsall in midweek, Ellis tried to clarify the situation.

"We go out trying to win each game we play but we are still in pole position for the play-offs," he said.

"We are in a good position and we will keep working hard.

"But the only games that are must win are when if you don't it means you can't achieve anything. I have always thought it might go to the last game of the season and that is when you get must win games.

"Everybody drops points but we prefer to concentrate on the fact that we have got 61 points which is not bad."

Ellis did concede that the current run has not been good for the players as he conceded: "Confidence comes from winning game and we now need to win a game.

"But the players are in good heart, the are in good spirt and if we can get a couple of breaks we will be okay again. Every team has a run when things don't go for it and we are going through patch where it is not going for us.

"Against Walsall Gareth (Taylor) hit the post and he and Steve miskicked in front of goal but we know we can't afford to make excuses."

The fact that Stockport ended their long run without a win does not bother Ellis although skipper Steve Davis did concede that the result from Edgeley Park was one bright spot on an otherwise disappointing Tuesday night.

"You do think that a run like that must come to an end at some point and so we were pleased they won," said Davis.

But Ellis said: "We were disappointed we lost and we have enough trouble looking after ourselves without worrying about others. But victory is a boost to confidence and so Stockport will be in that position.

"Every game is important and throws up its own obstacles. Sometimes it is a team fighting to improve its position or one with players fighting for contracts."

Manager Stan Ternent will be forced to make at least one stage as right back Dean West is suspended but Ellis insists he will keep his cards close to his chest.

Mark McGregor, the summer signing from Wrexham, has yet to play a league game for Burnley but he played at right back for the reserves on Wednesday night.

He could be set for his league debut although Ian Cox, a second half substitute at Walsall on Tuesday night, is another option. In the past Ternent has employed a back three and Cox could return alongside Davis and Arthur Gnohere.

In midfield Glen Little will again be missing following his concussion last weekend and former Stockport player Graham Branch is also out with the latest in a long line of injuries that has disrupted his season.

Tony Grant did not feature in the reserves on Wednesday after his hamstring injury but Robbie Blake played the full match and Mitchell Thomas, Nik Michopoulos and Andy Payton all had important match practice.