Monday night is our cup final

Last updated : 20 April 2009 By Tony Scholes
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell said ahead of the game: "I enjoy this, I am not feeling any pressure," with his side looking for the points to keep on the tails of second place Birmingham.

"We all want to win every game and I kick every ball from the sidelines and become frustrated when it doesn't quite come off, like against Forest last week," he added. "Saying that, when I first came here my job was to make sure we didn't go down and by the end of the season we had almost reached the play offs.

"If you want to know what pressure is think about Forest, Southampton or Norwich, for example, who could all go down and lose massive amounts of revenue. The position we wre in is a nice pressure to have.

"I know Sheffield United from my first spell here and I used that to my advantage when starting to turn things round but if I could make one signing for the next three games it would be 'lady luck' because if she shines on us we could be looking forward to an early summer.

"There will be plenty of twists and turns and it is all to play for."

Finish what you have started is the message from Owen Coyle to his players with the Clarets sitting in the play offs courtesy of a one point advantage over both Swansea and Preston.

"We've had four of our last five games away from home and we've put ourselves in an unbelievable position with three games to go," Coyle said as he prepared for the visit of Sheffield United.

"As it is, we've given ourselves a terrific chance this season to be involved in the play offs and we have to make sure we carry out the work we've done this season to the very end. Our focus is going out to win each and every game and if those lads keep giving everything they have this season that will serve us well."

Coyle continued: "Sheffield United are a good side, carrying all before them, although they would look back and probably be disappointed with drawing at home against ten man Nottingham Forest last week.

"But Monday night is our cup final, there's no doubt about it, and we'll give everything to try and get three points.

"They're obviously striving for automatic promotion so they'll come here and be positive. The atmosphere is going to be conducive to a real footballing environment which we love at Turf Moor. And we'll look to make sure we're at our best.

"The only thing that will help us is being at the top of our game. Regardless of who we play, if we get to the standards we've set previously and what we're capable of, then I wouldn't feat playing anybody.

"Every game is a big game as manager of Burnley Football Club because it is a privilege to be here. Everyone's been fantastic, and we want to go and reward them for all that loyalty they've shown us."

With both Martin Paterson and Steven Thompson having missed recent games, and with both of them doubtful tonight, Coyle spoke about his young and up coming forwards. "Jay is ready to play in the first team but because of the injuries we had he was asked to play two games in two days, which I would never have done with him.

"I've tried to nurture him and bring him along, and the last thing I want to do is over use him. I have a plan in my own head for how he's going to develop, and that was distorted because we had to play him.

"He did well, though the bottom line was it was a big ask. But there's no doubt he will be a big, big player in the years to come. Nothing fazes him."

And Coyle also spoke about new professional Wes Fletcher who has just been offered his first professional deal for next season. "Young Wes from the youth team has done well too and has obviously been offered a one year's professional contract.

"We believe he could be similar to an Alex MacDonald or Rodriguez in years to come. He has pace to burn, he's not ready yet, but in time he will be and we've got high hopes for him.