McClaren has got Derby into third place in the table and said he is raring to go ahead of the game against the Clarets although admitting it will be a difficult game for his team.
He said: "Burnley have been in great form and have been pretty much all season to be honest. Danny Ings and Sam Vokes have scored goals galore and Sean Dyche has got them playing very well.
"They're a tough, tough side to play against and at home they're in exceptionally good form. It's a big test for us, a little bit like when we went to Leicester back in January. We learned a lot about the side in a 4-1 defeat and it was a bit of a wake-up call for us.
"A few weeks ago we proved we can beat a side around us in the table, and that we'd learned from the Leicester game, when we beat Queens Park Rangers. I think everyone had talked about us not beating a fellow top six side and I think that made the win itself quite a big one. We did well on the night and hopefully we've gained some self belief from that."
He added: "I can understand why our fans are excited about this game because it's a game between two very good sides. They are excited about the team and have been brilliant in their support. At home they have been turning up in numbers and away from home the support has been brilliant as well.
"The media have been talking about us too but inside the camp we have to keep our feet firmly on the floor. We're all pretty calm and know what we have to do. We must prepare right and not get ahead of ourselves. That's how we have to do it and I don't think we have the group of players to start thinking too far ahead.
"It's a busy time and the games come around quickly, which is a contrast from when we first joined the club as we had four games in about five weeks. It was good because we had time to work on the training ground with the players.
"Everyone is in the same situation so we have to deal with it and get on with the situation."
Sean Dyche has again spoken about the part the supporters can play and the togetherness within the club that has helped drive us forward this season.
"With the rich heritage, history and fabric of the club, it's important that the town, the people and the club are all together, "he said. "Ever since I've been here I've spoke about a one club mentality.
"I've always said winning accelerates that feeling, but it needs to be there if things don't go to plan. I think it's a valuable asset to any club, but never more so than a town club like Burnley with the connection it has to the people.
"What's so great here is that they (the fans) have so much faith in the team. In the recent Millwall game, when we went 1-0 down, there was a calmness between both the players and the fans. I think that's because the fans believe that the team will give everything to get in to the game.
"I'd like to think there is a trust between the group of players, that the fans know the minimum they are going to see is maximum effort. That's what I would want to see as a fan.
"And if you add in some real quality, a good tactical framework and energy, you've got a great mixture, so we've got to keep that mixture right and keep delivering."
Dyche added: "Both teams have been doing really well. We've shown all season that we're capable, so this is no different. It's another big game, another three points we're searching for and another win we want to grip and hold within us.
"The squad are in good shape mentally and great shape physically, so they are ready and raring to go, that's for sure."