CLARETS skipper Steve Davis is hoping to move another step towards First Division battle-stations against Manchester City tonight.

And at the same time, the central defender will guage how far Burnley have to progress to compete with the elite.

Peaking at Bolton on Saturday week is the number one priority for Stan Ternent's men.

But the players are enjoying taking on Premiership opposition in the build-up and after going down narrowly 1-0 to Newcastle on Monday night will now test themselves against Joe Royle's newly-promoted side at Turf Moor.

"It gives you a yardstick of what you want to achieve yourself. At the minute we are only a league below but obviously there's a lot of hard work to be done before we join people like that.

"But it's good experience and it should stand us in good stead for the new season," said Davis, who felt Burnley had acquitted themselves well in the second half against Newcastle.

And he's looking for more of the same against the City slickers as Burnley fine-tune their preparations for the big kick-off.

He added: "We've got another hard game tonight and then again on Friday and it's all about match fitness.

"From the Isle of Man tournament to Monday night we have been gradually improving so hopefully we will hit the heights against Bolton."