Bristol Rovers v Burnley - Pete Oliver's big match preview

BURNLEY take on Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium tomorrow 13 points adrift of a play-off place and without a win in five League games.

But no-one at Turf Moor is writing off the Clarets' season, notably recent recruit Ally Pickering.

The right-back is four games into his Burnley career following a free transfer from Stoke City and believes that there is time for the club to reverse their fortunes between now and May.

"We've had a clean sheet now so we are getting stronger and stronger every game and hopefully we can cap it off with a win tomorrow," said Pickering.

"The main thing is we don't get beat but we are looking for wins now to get up that table.

"Because we have still got a chance. If we get some games together now we've got a chance of getting in the play-offs."

Pickering's debut for the Clarets coincided with a third straight defeat against Northampton Town the week before Christmas.

But since then Stan Ternent's side has picked up three draws and Pickering has been one of the side's best performers in that run.

A 1-1 draw at home to Lincoln was a let-down but the Clarets have taken heart from the results either side of that.

York City, one of the form sides of the division who are on the kind of run that Burnley need to produce, were held 3-3 at Bootham Crescent on Boxing Day. And then last Saturday the Clarets produced their best performance for some time in their goalless draw with Walsall.

"We really put them under the cosh for most of the game and they are second in the League so that's what we have got to go off now.

"If we can keep that pressure on teams we can get something," insisted Pickering, who has added some stability to the Burnley back four which has been further strengthened by the £750,000 signing of Steve Davis. "We needed a centre-half and Steve came in and did an absolutely brilliant job," added the 31-year-old.

"He's strong and wins everything in the air and Branchy gave us that option on the left and we looked a solid unit.

"Every game we are getting stronger and we fancy our chances but it is going to be hard at Bristol.

"We are to go there with all positive thoughts though and if we can get a win that will be brilliant."

Pickering made 65 appearances in the top-flight for Coventry City - reflected in his composed stature on the ball - before stepping down to the First Division with Stoke City.

He was an ever-present last season but has not figured under Brian Little's stewardship this term and was handed a lifeline by Ternent - one he intends to take.

"This season I have not really been involved at Stoke. I just got pushed right out the way and the gaffer has given me a chance here now and I am relishing it," said Pickering who has quickly looked at home in the claret and blue.

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