BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe says a summer squad boost is crucial to their promotion chances next season.

The Clarets boss is looking to introduce more youth team players to the senior set-up, after naming second year scholar Steven Hewitt on the bench for Saturday’s draw with West Ham United.

The 34-year-old believes increasing the production line will be vital to the club’s future.

But Howe aims to make key transfer window additions before the 2012/13 campaign begins, for the top six to become a realistic target.

“Of course we’ll have to,” he said.

“I don’t think you can rely on all the youth team players for next year. I think it’s very much a case of looking to recruit as well and using the loan market to try to improve our squad.”

Being low on numbers, especially in defensive and midfield areas, has been detrimental to their challenge this year.

Although well stocked in the striking department, injury to in-form Charlie Austin in November proved to be a setback as it came at a time when centre forwards Martin Paterson and Danny Ings were still recovering from long-term injuries themselves.

Howe feels a succession of casualties, with defender Michael Duff suffering knee and hamstring problems on two separate occasions this season, has ultimately had a negative impact on their small squad.

“It’s been a strange league this year where teams, similar to ourselves, have been on good runs and then followed that up with bad runs and inconsistent form,” said the Burnley boss.

“It is a very demanding league, with a lot of games.

“From our side we’ve maybe suffered for having such a small squad and needing to rely on the same players week in, week out, and eventually that does take its toll.

“It’s so difficult to get yourself up in peak physical condition for 50 games.

“From our own personal situation we’ve just come up short.

“That’s hugely frustrating because we’ve got the makings of a really good side. If we can keep the basis of this squad together I’m sure we’ll be competitive next year.”