As good as anything kicking about in the Championship

Last updated : 14 March 2008 By Tony Scholes
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy and his Burnley counterpart Owen Coyle are both confident that their teams can be in that top six at season's end. "We're in a good position to make it," said McCarthy.

"We have still got a good opportunity. We're still fighting for a play off spot. We'd like to be in a better position but considering some of the results we have had we're still in a good position."

He's aware of the threat we will pose them and added:" Burnley are like Preston, they are on a good run. We say from when they came to Molineux that they can play."

Owen Coyle has conceded that the Clarets are looking for fifth or sixth place this season and believes his side can claim one of those last two play off spots. "I think the top four will finish in the top four positions. I wouldn't like to hazard a guess as to who would be in places one, two, three and four, but I think it is fair to say barring a collapse they will finish there.

"So I think we've probably got eight teams vying for fifth and sixth place, and we are in there fighting. We have to make sure we're at our best and if we do that we've got as good a chance as anybody. There's three points up for grabs and we want to put ourselves in a nice position."

He added: "Now is the time to stand up and be counted, but let's show it on a consistent basis. We've been on a terrific run of form at home, with four wins and two draws so now let's go and make that five wins and two draws and take that home form on to the end of the season. If we do that it will stand us in good stead.

"We've got good players and we, as staff, really believe in them. Now it is up to them to believe in themselves and know that, when they are at their best, they can win games in this league.

"When you are seen to be doing well and picking up wins everyone's expectation levels rise which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Obviously it has to be tempered with realism at the same time, but having said that there are bigger clubs with far bigger budgets than ourselves.

"That's not to say we feel inferior to them because we don't. It is 11 v 11 and all we can do is give our very best and when we do that we're as good as anything kicking about in the Championship."

Speaking about the Wolves game he said: "The last game at Wolves was a terrific encounter, a real footballing game. We came out on the right side of a 3-2 scoreline so I will certainly have enjoyed it more than Mick McCarthy would have.

"We know it will be another tough game and they've got some quality players within their team. They have invested heavily in terms of transfer fees and salaries in some of their players. We know it is going to be a hard fought game and we've given them every respect. But we've got good players too."