STEVE Cotterill has called for a cash injection to try to end Burnley's player crisis.

And the Clarets boss is urging players, fans and directors to pull together ahead of tonight's Carling Cup tie with Carlisle United, with a squad decimated by injuries that could leave him unable to call on SEVEN players.

Brian Jensen (neck), Frank Sinclair (hamstring), Danny Karbassiyoon (hip) and Karl Bermingham (cup tied) are all definitely out of the clash with the Cumbrians, while Wayne Thomas, John McGreal and Wade Elliott all sat out the weekend defeat to Watford.

And as the manager seeks urgent reinforcements ahead of the imminent transfer window, he believes the club is about to enter a crucial period.

Cotterill said: "I haven't been off the phone, but there's only so much you can do.

"In my opinion now, we need money. A bit of money to be able to go out and buy a few, because there isn't any other way.

"The free transfers went ages ago and at the moment we've got what we've got, we are where we are and until whistles are blown at the end of games, whatever we've got, we won't give up.

"It's a good time now for the club, to find out who's going to stick with you, and who's not.

"And those who don't want to stick with us, whoever they are - whether they're in the dressing room, in the boardroom, in the stands - that's fine.

"Because when the good times roll, the wagon might be full of friends then."

Cotterill hopes that at least one of the injured players who missed out at Vicarage Road will be fit to return tonight, although Sinclair is unlikely to be fit for at least two more weeks.

And the Burnley boss admitted his planning for tonight's first round tie has been overshadowed by the untimely injury crisis.

"I think it will be a tough game but to be honest, I haven't got time to be concerned with Carlisle," he explained. "I've just got to worry about my own players and their health and well being and that's enough.

"All we'll be concentrating on at the moment is our own team our own players, and looking after them. This year we're getting our injuries right at the start (of the season) by the look of it.

"Last season we were quite settled before we got our interruptions and we've got to make sure we deal with these the best we can.

"We would have liked to have had a break, but there isn't one and we've got to suffer that.

"To be honest, the cup's probably come along at the wrong time.

"We just need to get those players who weren't quite right on Saturday be available and we'll just keep our fingers crossed that maybe one will be available for the Carlisle game."

l Tickets cost £10 for adults for tonight's game and £5 for children.