STEVEN Caldwell has warned Burnley not to let the Carling Cup become a distraction.

The Clarets will play their glamour fourth round tie at Premier League leaders Chelsea in just over a month’s time.

And while players and supporters alike are relishing their trip to Stamford Bridge on November 12, captain Caldwell has urged his team-mates to stay focused on their Championship campaign.

Cup wins over Oldham and Fulham contributed to a nine-game unbeaten run, ended with a 3-1 defeat at Reading last weekend.

But as Burnley target a repeat of the string of results which crowned Owen Coyle manager of the month for September, Caldwell has stressed the league must remain their priority.

“The Fulham win was a bonus. As much as I really enjoy this cup run and am very much looking forward to the next game, to me it’s a side issue compared to the league,” he said.

“It’s most important we get our victories and our big performances in the league.”

Burnley’s next task is a formidable one, as they resume their league programme at home to title chasing Birmingham City, who, along with the Royals, Caldwell has tipped for the top this season.

And the former Celtic and Sunderland stopper knows they cannot afford any of the defensive lapses which cost them against Reading if they are to mount a challenge.

“Looking down this league, it’s so tight,” he noted. “Eleven points is 19th place, while we are on 15 points and level with the play-offs.

“There’s no time to rest; you can’t afford to take your foot off the gas, you have to keep winning games and keep pushing.

“It’s an old cliche but it’s so important in this league to just concentrate on the next game and the game after that.

“If we get a big victory at home to Birmingham, or put in a real great performance - and I’m sure that we can - I think we can compete with anybody and push back up into those play-off positions.

“What’s clear is that we have to play to our maximum in most games to achieve that.

“It’s a difficult league and every game you look at is tough and if you are just off your game you’re going to get beat.”

He added: “Who would have thought that Wolves would go to Swansea and not win or get a result from the game, and they’ve been turned over 3-1.

“It just shows you that if you’ve got a couple of injuries and you’re not quite at your best on the day that anyone will turn you over.

“That’s no disrespect to Swansea, because I feel they are one of the best football teams we’ve played this season, but on paper you would expect Wolves, who have been flying, to go there and get a result.

“I think that’s the essence of this league, that you have to be on your mettle every single week.

“If we can do that, we are as good as anybody in the league.”