We'll think positive and look to make a real impact

Last updated : 06 February 2009 By Tony Scholes
Birmingham came back to earn a point with a late Kevin Phillips goal at Sheffield Wednesday a week ago and it was a game that please boss Alex McLeish. "Last week's performance was one which gave me a lot of confidence," he said.

"We look pretty potent in terms of getting forward into decent areas and there were good legs from all of the front four. The two wide ones, Hameur Bouazza and Scott Sinclair, plus Kevin Phillips with his movement and getting into good positions, allied to the pace and power of Cameron Jerome were a real threat.

"Against Sheffield, Cameron made the most magnificent run you'll see this season when he won the ball on the edge of his own box and ran the length of the pitch before going close. I felt for him not being able to apply the finishing touch because if he can put it all together and just get the ball in the back of the net then he will be some player.

"It's Burnley now and they have had a great season and certainly in the cups they've been fantastic and have taken a few scalps. Can we beat them? Of course we can. We're at home at St. Andrew's and I will be expecting us to be building on the good work of the last couple of games."

Owen Coyle knows it will be a difficult game against one of the top three. "They're certainly deserving of that place with the players they have, and they've earned it with their performances in the Championship," he said.

"Equally, it's a game that we can win and we'll approach it in that manner. We'll think positive and look to make a real impact in the game.

"If you look back over the last couple of years to the teams who have fallen out of the Premiership, they've found it difficult to get back on track. But Birmingham, along with Reading, are right in the mix.

"I think Alex McLeish knows he has a lot more to come from his group of players, and that must be a terrific thing to know, considering the position they are in.

"It will be a difficult task and footballing environment, but that's a platform that we want to play on, and show we can play a little bit ourselves. We'll have a look at the options and pick the most positive team we can to lead us out on Saturday and try to win the game."