FORMER Clarets boss Adrian Heath has praised Steve Cotterill for sustaining Burnley's top six Championship spot.

As the season's halfway stage looms large, Cotterill has achieved a minor miracle in steering Burnley into the play-off places with the smallest league squad to hand.

The Turf Moor club can re-inforce their position in the Championship's higher echelons with a win at Coventry's Ricoh Arena today.

Heath, assistant manager at the Sky Blues, knows all about the expectations and pressures of the Burnley job, having held the reins for over a year between 1996-97.

And as he faces his former club this afternoon, the ex-Everton star is full of admiration for Cotterill and his backroom staff.

"I don't think people should underestimate the job that Steve and his staff have done," said Heath.

"He's got a small squad of players, but still managed to get good performances in week in, week out. He's got them very well organised and that's important.

"Obviously, they started the season very well and those early season wins gave the players confidence.

"Where Steve will be keeping his fingers crossed is that he does not pick up any more injuries. The loss of Andy Gray is a big blow and he doesn't need any more players out."

Heath added: "Burnley are a terrific little club.

"I had a great time there and I still keep in touch with a few of the girls in the office.

"I'm very pleased to see them in the position they are in.

"What's surprised me is that they have sustained it. They had a good start and they've kept that going.

"I'm sure Steve will fancy his chances of keeping them at the top end of the table."

Burnley are without Gray for around eight weeks after the 10-goal marksman broke three metatarsals in his right foot during the November 28 victory over Leeds.

His absence could prove a damaging blow, but Heath reckons the Clarets are blessed with another dangerous striker in Gifton Noel-Williams.

The giant forward has grabbed five goals this term and is now teaming up with teenager Kyle Lafferty following Gray's setback.

Heath said: "For a long while, Steve has kept together the core members of his side in the team.

"It's a shame about Andy Gray because he's a good goalscorer but Gifton Noel-Williams has done very well this season.

"Whatever you say about Gifton, he's an awkward customer to play against.

"He holds the ball up well and it's a difficult job shaking him off the ball.

"He's managed to weigh in with a few goals this season as well.

"We've seen Kyle Lafferty play for Northern Ireland.

"I know Burnley's chief scout Cliff Roberts and (assistant manager) Dave Kevan. I also know Steve quite well.

"They all speak very highly of Kyle. He's a future prospect and this is a very good opportunity for him.

"Nobody at Burnley wanted Andy Gray injured, but what that does is open up opportunities for somebody and Kyle Lafferty showed at Ipswich that he is trying to take that opportunity."