Scott Parker insists Burnley’s supporters can be the “12th man” against fierce rivals Blackburn Rovers this weekend.

It has been a challenging week at Turf Moor, with speculation over further player exits heading into the final stages of the transfer window.

Parker knows what the fixture means to the fans and challenged his players to “represent that emotion on the pitch”.

“It has been a tough week, but there is no better game to end the week and go into the international break than a derby,” said the Clarets chief.

“This is a massive game for us, even if it wasn’t a derby. What a derby brings, I have been involved in many of them as a player and coach, it brings an added intensity and certainly more raw emotion from the fan base and everyone at the club.

“We need to represent that emotion on the pitch this weekend, we need to bring a certain ingredient to this game which will be needed.

“Of course, there is a tactical element and technical element to this match which will be defining.

“The most important thing is representing what this game means to the fanbase and being under no illusions about what we need to bring.”

Burnley were light in numbers against Wolves on Wednesday night, with several Academy prospects named on the bench.

Vitinho, Zeki Amdouni and Wout Weghorst were not involved at Molineux, and Parker confirmed the trio are likely to be moving on.

“We are going to need every bit of our fanbase this weekend, from where we have been and how the last couple of weeks have been,” he added.

“These boys who go out there and represent the football club this weekend are going to need every bit of their support.

“I constantly reference it, there are times and moments when you need (the fans) with you and for sure, this weekend.

“We are going to need them throughout the season but if ever there was a time, this weekend we need the fanbase right behind us, supporting us and giving these boys every bit of energy in certain moments.

“They will be the difference, I am not just saying that because it is a press conference and there is a camera, the defining factor in certain moments this season will be the fanbase.

“They need to be our 12th man, they need to be our drive and I have no doubt that will be the case.”

Josh Cullen has missed the past couple of games through injury, but the midfielder is now back on the grass and will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s game.