STEVE Cotterill admits his Clarets side must show greater ruthlessness in front of goal - starting against Sunderland tomorrow.

For the first time since September, Burnley head into a Championship fixture outside the league's top six.

Gleaning one point from back-to-back away trips to Ipswich and Coventry, it has meant the Clarets sliding just outside the play-off places.

Despite that, Cotterill has been pleased with his side's displays at Portman Road and the Ricoh Arena, insisting all that was missing was clinical finishing.

As Roy Keane brings his in-form Black Cats outfit to Turf Moor, Cotterill has called on his players to get that killer instinct.

"We are very pleased with the amount of chances we are creating," said Cotterill.

"It's tucking them away that we are not too happy with at the moment.

"We haven't got a Robbie Blake for instance who takes his chances.

"And probably now with losing Andy Gray we've got less of that.

"We know we've got to take our chances and we need to be a bit more ruthless.

"That's the only thing that is missing from our play.

"We are working hard, running hard, competing very well, passing the ball well and playing some good attacking football.

"But the bottom line is the goal scorer is missing from us."

Wideman Steve Jones - who has scored three goals this season - was among those who missed good opportunities at Coventry.

Cotterill said: "A few people have said they would like to see Steve Jones up front - well now you know why he doesn't play up front because he doesn't take enough chances.

"We can put him up there sometimes, but when he's got a chance he's got to take it."

"It's just tough for us at the moment, but it's not just the goal scorer.

"We could do with our defenders chipping in with a goal from set-plays.

"It's unusual for Wayne Thomas to go as long without scoring a goal, because he normally attacks the ball very well in the box.

"I'm hoping that will change."