BRADFORD CITY could face a Burnley backlash as the league leaders look to get back to winning ways at Turf Moor tomorrow.

Having seen his side lose 5-1 at Maine Road on Saturday Clarets boss Stan Ternent said: "Knowing my players like I do I am sure they will bounce back.

"Tomorrow's match against Bradford gives us a great chance to do that. We have got to take some positives out of the game against City because at time we played quite well.

"And if someone had said to me that we would be a point clear with 20 games to go, an even split at home and away, I would have taken that. We just have to take the defeat on the chin, regroup and start again."

And his opposite number Kevin Keegan is convinced that despite Saturday's heavy defeat, the Clarets will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

"They are a good side that is top of the table on merit," he said. "But we scored some very good goals against them and although I thought the scoreline flattered us we could have scored a few more."

Burnley were certainly given a harsh lesson in how to finish by the Blues who completed a double over the Clarets, finding the net nine times in the process.

Ternent admitted: "We need a little bit more penetration," as he watched his players squander a number of good openings, not least the penalty missed by Glen Little.

Ternent has admitted he needs to strengthen his squad and last week looked at the possibility of signing Shefki Kuqi from Stockport County. Also in the frame could be Maccabi Haifa defender Arik Benado, capped 50 timnes by Isreal, who is rated at £600,000.

All this follows a bid, thought to be in the region of £600,000, for Bradford City striker Robbie Blake who will be lining up against the Clarets as they kick off the New Year tomorrow.

In-form Blake was on target for his side again against Crystal Palace but they suffered another defeat under caretaker manager Steve Smith. The youth team coach took on the caretaker manager role at Valley Parade after the departure of manager Jim Jefferies on Christmas Eve.

Having had the Boxing Day match at Rotherham called off because of a frozen pitch, the gap at the top of the table has been narrowed, and not just by Manchester City. Wolves are now just one point behind, albeit having played a game more.

Norwich, Millwall and Birmingham have all moved closer to the Clarets.

But Ternent's team remain top and he is relishing the chance to get back to winning ways against their Yorkshire rivals.

Man City remain the only team to have taken all three points away from Turf Moor this season and the Bantams have struggled on their travels.

Paul Weller, who was suspended on Saturday, will be available for selection although experienced defenders Steve Davis and Mitchell Thomas remain on the injured list.

There is no way that Ternent will push the panic button despite the heavy defeat at their closest rivals. He will just send his troops out ready for the Roses battle hoping for the same response as the last time they were beaten - a ten match unbeaten run.