"KEEP the faith" says Ternent. And we will, of course.

After all, the committed football supporter will not, indeed cannot, turn their allegiance on and off at will.

However, these are testing times for those keepers of the faith.

Since dispatching desperate Stockport midway through December, the Clarets have scored on just four occasions in seven subsequent outings, been humiliated and humbled in the FA Cup, and picked up just two points from a possible 15.

So where has it all gone wrong?

How have Burnley slipped from table toppers a little over a month ago, to their current position outside the play-offs?

There are a number of factors which have conspired against the Clarets.

The postponements against Rotherham and Bradford hardly helped.

Any momentum or rhythm Burnley may have established was abruptly broken.

The knock-on effect will be felt throughout February, with the kind of fixture pile-up which would have Sir Alex Ferguson tearing his hair out.

Secondly, Ternent has been frustrated by his inability to field a settled side.

Recent injuries to Gareth Taylor and Glen Little have forced the manager to shuffle his pack in ways not of his choosing.

Thirdly, and crucially, key players have either been injured (Little, Steve Davis), or have suffered the most horrendous dip in form. Cox and Gnohere for instance, having coped manfully with the absence of Davis, were made to look out of their depth by West Brom's Jason Roberts.

Tony Grant whose passing can be as accurate as a heat-seeking missile, is clearly struggling.

And Alan Moore who before his injury was showing the kind of form which made him an international, is currently failing to influence games and as such can appear something of a luxury player.

What is needed is a win to restore both the promotion push and the players' flagging confidence.

Gianluca Vialli's stuttering Watford side who Burnley face tomorrow night have already succumbed to the Clarets this season.

And given Burnley's excellent recent record against the Hornets, Vicarage Road could prove a launch pad for the remainder of the season.

Finally, welcome to Robbie Blake and welcome back to Marlon Beresford.

Blake showed some touches of real class against West Brom and will hopefully start against Watford.

As should fit-again Glen Little. Both players have craft and guile which could be the key for a renewed assault on promotion.