OBSERVERS would expect a penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea to have instilled a boundless confidence within the Burnley ranks.

But manager Owen Coyle insists it is overcoming adversities at the start of this season which has led them to believe anything is possible.

The Clarets were rock bottom of the Championship after crashing to heavy defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town in the opening two games.

But they have responded in defiant fashion to occupy fourth place ahead of tonight’s Carling Cup quarter final clash with Arsenal.

And it is recovering from such a disastrous start to the new term, not beating the Premier League leaders, which Coyle has pointed to for inspiration.

“You’re sitting in the bottom three with two points after four games, but we knew the belief and the spirit that was there, and (turning that around) says more for them than and everyone at this football club than going to Chelsea and winning,” he said.

“It’s all very well people talking about confidence and everyone wanting to strut their stuff, but it’s in those moments when everything’s going against you that you see what you’ve got within your group. And I never had any doubts that they’d come back.

“I dare say people would have begun to question me, but I’ve got enough mental strength and belief in my own ability that I knew I’d turn that round.

“I knew with the group of players we had how hard we were all prepared to work and it’s very much been that.

“We have a tight-knit squad, a terrific blend of youth and experience and I believe a fantastic team spirit.

“I think it’s all very easy to say you’ve got a great spirit when things are going well, but we had a horrendous start to the season and they showed the unity and togetherness and bounced back from that.

“I think that speaks more for them than any of the good results, plaudits and accolades they’ve had.”

Nevertheless, Coyle is determined to enjoy tonight when the spotlight falls on his players again, and he is aiming to reward a sell-out crowd – the first he will have experienced since arriving a year ago – with a third Carling Cup scalp of the season.

“We’re really looking forward to what I think will be a fantastic atmosphere.

“As much as there are a couple of new stands it’s still like one of the older stadiums with the history and everything involved with it, so I think it’s got the makings of being a terrific atmosphere, a special night and it’s up to us to make sure we go and compete in a quarter final with the chance to get to a semi,” said Coyle, who admitted he remains bowled over by the loyalty shown to his team by the town.

“We’re not a rich town, so I think it’s important that we’re seen to be winning games because there are people who can’t afford to get to games, but Burnley’s still their team, and it gives them something to talk about.

“The Chelsea game captured everyone’s imagination, and then all of a sudden the whole town was talking the football.

“It’s an integral part of the town, so it’s important we’re all in it together and we do our utmost to try to put a smile on people’s faces.”