CLARETS legend Willie Irvine has urged Burnley’s current crop to show more passion if they are to succeed in mounting another Premier League challenge.

The former centre forward believes Eddie Howe’s side would have been capable of repeating the feats of 2009 if they had demonstrated more endeavour this season.

Irvine feels a lack of fight was the big reason for them failing to reach their potential, and says they only have themselves to blame for falling short.

“I felt sorry for the fans who had travelled all over the place watching them and hoping we could get a run and challenge for another promotion, but we just rolled over and died at the finish and that was a big disappointment,” said the former Northern Ireland international.

“We didn’t put up a strong enough challenge last season. We were too weak.

“Some of the players, perhaps three or four of them, thought they were better than what they are. They have to prove they can go out and keep their place on merit.

“Nothing is going to be handed to them on a plate.

“There was a lack of passion last season, although not from everyone.”