STEVE Cotterill is hoping for a repeat of last year's FA Cup exploits - but not at the expense of a play-off place.

The Clarets travel to Derby County for the third round tie hoping they can emulate their heroics of last season, which saw them make it all the way to the fifth round and a glamour tie with arch-rivals Blackburn Rovers.

But Cotterill (pictured) said he would rather have a top six place than a long cup run given the choice.

He said: "We had good times in the cups last season and it would be nice to have that again. "But if you gave me the choice between a top six place in the Championship or a good run in the Cup I'd choose the top six finish because the rewards of the Premiership are massive.

"But saying that, it'll be nice to have a break from the league programme although I wouldn't say it's a particularly good draw for either of the teams, being from the same division.

"But it's a game we're looking forward to and if we can perform the way we did in the first half against QPR then I'm sure we can do well."

But Cotterill is wary of cup fixture congestion as he attempts to guide his side into the top six for the end of season finale.

Last season, the Clarets played four games in ten days with matches against Derby and Preston sandwiched in between FA Cup games against Rovers.

He added: "It's a great competition to be involved in but it can hand you trouble because the games come thick and fast if you get a replay or two.

"It can be very tough on the players."