FIRED-up Clarke Carlisle believes a hungry Chris Eagles can only be a good thing for Burnley – insisting the fans are starting to see the best of the talented one-time Manchester United starlet.

The 24-year-old Eagles was a major plus during Saturday’s loss at West Ham as he created two and scored the other Burnley goal which just kept the Clarets above arch rivals Blackburn in the top flight table, despite the 5-3 reverse at Upton Park.

And Carlisle believes the current form of a flying Eagles can be the key as Owen Coyle’s men make the mammoth trip to the south coast on Saturday for their game with rock-bottom Portsmouth, who have just one win at Fratton Park all season, a record which ultimately cost Paul Hart his job last week.

Now former Chelsea boss Avram Grant is in charge of Pompey but he couldn’t prevent his side losing heavily to Manchester United on Saturday and he will look to end his own side’s poor run against the Clarets.

But, according to Carlisle, the Burnley spirit shown at Upton Park by Eagles can shine through.

“Chris played excellent,” said Carlisle. “He showed the energy and the quality that we all know he has and he has it in abundance.

“The gaffer left him out of the side for a long period, but he’s worked hard in training every day, he’s had his chance and he’s taken it, and I don’t expect any less for him every week.”

While Eagles, who made half-a-dozen first team appearances in his five years at Old Trafford and enjoyed loan spells with Watford and Sheffield Wednesday has impressed with his attitude, Carlisle insists that is a trait in all of the squad.

“That’s throughout the team,” he said. “I don’t think anyone rests on their laurels.

“I don’t think anyone feels sorry for themselves, there’s a real togetherness.

"We win together and lose together, and more importantly we learn and we grow together.”