RAY WILKINS is hoping former colleagues Chris Waddle and Glen Little can keep Burnley in the Second Division.

Wilkins was disappointed that the Clarets took a significent step towards safety at the expense of his Fulham side in Saturday's 2-1 win at Turf Moor on Saturday.

But as long as the Cottagers achieve their play-off target, he won't begrudge England sidekick Waddle the three points.

"Chris has got them trying to play. They are a young outfit and I would like to see them get out of it because they attempt to do things in the right manner," said Wilkins.

"I played alongside Chris and he's a good buddy. It would be nice to see him get out of it.

"Chris has stuck to his principles and is not prepared to just whack it and hope to get out of it that way. I wish he could have done it after Saturday but of course that's football and we wish him well." Wilkins is also backing Waddle to get it right as a manager in the longer term, the former Manchester United, Rangers and QPR schemer adding: "It's not a bed of roses as a lot of people think.

"Obviously Chris has been a wonderful player and it's always difficult when you are standing there and you understand what you can do in a situation as Chris will find but he will do okay. He's got the right outlook on it anyway."

Wilkins was also briefly at Crystal Palace with Little and is delighted that the Burnley midfielder is fulfilling his potential.

"He had loads of ability but he was not really getting a look-in down there," admitted Wilkins. "It's nice to see a young lad, especially coming to the north, doing exceptionally well and he hasn't lost his accent I am pleased to hear."

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