BOURNEMOUTH and Bradford City stand between Burnley and virtual Second Division sanctuary.

And as Adrian Heath fired his team up for tonight's vital Turf Moor clash with Bournemouth at Turf Moor he warned his players: "Burnley are facing the biggest week of the season."

Heath is under no illusions as to the task facing the Clarets as they bid to secure their Second Division status.

Starting tonight against Bournemouth, Burnley face an exhausting nine-game April fixture programme with daunting trips to Swindon Town, Notts County and Wrexham on the horizon.

It is a punishing schedule. And, realistically, the Clarets still require at least seven points to secure their Second Division status.

But wins against Bournemouth, and against Play-off chasing Bradford City on Saturday, will go a long way towards achieving that goal.

Heath warned: "The players have to realise the situation we're in and how vitally important tonight's game is for us.

"It is probably the biggest week we've had at Burnley for a long, long time. I just hope the players realise that.

"I'm fully aware what is at stake and, hopefully, the players will be aware of their responsibilities too.

"We could have not asked for more support at Wycombe. The fans were magnificent in the way they supported the team, as they always are.

"If I can say anything to the people who support us week in and week out, the message is to try and get behind us as much as they can. "If they've got any grievances to leave it to after the game has finished, not before or during the match. We face a very big week."

Heath could not have had a more difficult start to his managerial tenure at Turf Moor. Since the 1-0 victory at Bristol City, Burnley have played five out of six games away from Turf Moor - three against Division Two's leading challengers.

The results have proved disappointing, yet Heath is planning long-term and MUST be given precious time to act.

Bournemouth, six points ahead of Burnley, are virtually safe from relegation trouble. Saturday's excellent 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers pushed them into 14th spot.

Bournemouth boss Mel Machin will definitely field Chris Casper, son of former Burnley boss Frank.

Young Casper is currently enjoying his third month on loan at Dean Court from FA Cup finalists Manchester United.

Machin added four new faces to his squad on transfer deadline day, including Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jimmy Glass, on loan at Turf Moor a couple of months ago.

Other new arrivals included Owen Coll from Spurs, defender, Paul Mitchell, who has re-signed from West Ham United, and Crystal Palace midfielder Ian Cox.

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