MANAGER Eddie Howe admits Burnley are kicking themselves that they are not nearer the play-offs this season, but is optimistic for their challenge next year.

The Clarets remain in the bottom half of the Championship as their run of games without a win stretched to seven following Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with West Ham United.

Howe was frustrated by the result, after surrendering a 2-0 half-time lead.

But the Burnley boss insisted aspects of the performance offered him hope for the future.

The 34-year-old was particularly encouraged by the response his players gave him to a poor midweek show in losing to Ipswich Town.

“We wanted a show of spirit and determination to show that we are a united team and we are very keen to impress the supporters and play for the club,” he said.

“The second half was really disappointing on Wednesday and we wanted to show everyone that wasn’t the real us.

“I think we did that.

“Hopefully the supporters will see what we’re trying to do, see some maturing players and how they’re beginning to grow into their positions.

“Although I’m disappointed by the result I am very enthusiastic for the future.”

Howe added: “We’re kicking ourselves really because I believe we had the capability of being good enough this year, but we’ve surrendered some leads and that’s something we’re going to have to focus on.

“I think we’ve competed really well against the top sides and given a good account of ourselves in the big games. It’s perhaps more the games against the teams down the lower end of the table that we’ve struggled against and dropped points when we shouldn’t have done.

“It’s such small margins. We could easily be knocking on the door of the top six but we’re going to have to learn quickly for next year, hopefully keep the group together and have a good push.”

The Clarets are 10 points off the play-offs with eight games to go, but a return of just seven points from their last nine games has led to them dropping down the table.

Their top six challenge is all but mathematically over for this year, but Howe took heart from the spirit his players showed on Saturday.

“The lads gave everything. After three games in six days, two long journeys, I thought the physical effort was very good,” he said.

“There were a lot of positives to take from the game.

“We have to look at individual performances and say people are growing and learning to play here as well, which is obviously a big challenge.

“I thought the lads were excellent in patches.

“I thought we were very brave and passed the ball again.

“At times in the first half we got some really good combinations going. I think we took 10-15 minutes to settle into the game but once we did and got that first goal it gave us huge confidence.

“But there were spells in the second half as well, especially before they scored, where we looked like we were going to get that third goal and kill the game.

“I think the third goal in the game is the crucial one and unfortunately they got it.

“It’s a disappointing goal from our point of view – one that we’ll hopefully learn from.

“At 2-1 it was game on, and in the end we’re thankful for Granty (Lee Grant) for making a couple of great saves.

“It would have been a tragedy if we’d lost it.”