Clarets look to improve

Burnley's assistant boss Dave Kevan is expecting his side to take another step in the right direction when they entertain Norwich City this evening.

The struggling Clarets turned in an improved performance at Stoke last weekend but still suffered their sixth defeat on the trot as a well taken goal from Paul Gallagher settled a desperately tight encounter.

Kevan believes he spotted some encouraging signs at the Britannia Stadium and will be looking for more of the same from the Burnley players tonight - with a positive result at the end of it.

"There were one or two signs at Stoke that there is promise there," he said.

"The message to the players will be to give everything they've got to ensure we come away with at least a point.

"That would give us a little foothold to get us going again, and if it does mean a point, we'll take that and move on.

"But we're looking forward to being back here and trying to show the supporters that we're still out there battling.

"Last week there was nothing in the game other than a good finish, and it should be as tight and as physical against Norwich. But with us at home, we try and take the ascendancy a little bit more, so we'll be looking for the lads to deliver a typical Turf Moor evening performance.

"It's always nice to be back at home. The support is always very much appreciated and I'm sure they'll be getting behind the lads in the next two matches to ensure we pick up some points.

"I think the first goal is important and we may be have to strive a little harder to make sure it's us that gets it. But however the game pans out, we've got to dig in and keep going right until the final whistle.

"The poor run is there, but we're hoping to put that behind us now. You don't change everything overnight because what's got you results in the past, there's no reason why it shouldn't in the future.

"You do try and find that missing link, but we've tried to be consistent with what we deliver and what we expect, and I'm sure that will stand us in good stead."

Kevan knows his side will have to build on their improved showing at Stoke if they are to make life difficult for a Norwich side who have lost just one of their previous seven games.

"All season people have been waiting for Norwich to take off because they've got an excellent group of players and an excellent manager, facilities, support, so they will be a handful," he said.

"They are coming to us on a good little run, so it will be a tough game, but one we're looking forward to."

Burnley's assistant manager addressed the local media yesterday while his boss Steve Cotterill continued his search for new loan players. He has already brought in striker Andy Gray from Sunderland and defender Phil Bardsley for Manchester United in recent weeks - and there's a chance there could be another temporary signing in the team this evening.

"There is a little bit of activity, the phones are going, so the manager's a bit caught up," said Kevan. "But whether that materialises into anything concrete, we'll have to wait and see."