JIMMY Mullen today admitted that he had reached an all-time Turf Moor low in the wake of his side 5-0 defeat at Carlisle.

"The last 48 hours were probably the worst I've experienced in my time at Burnley," said Mullen.

But the defiant Burnley boss has issued a Second Division rallying call to his squad.

Mullen vowed: "We aim to make Stockport County pay for last weekend."

He added: "The players have got to say to themselves individually: 'How can I be stronger towards my team-mates? How can we all be a little bit stronger to give each other a lift.'

"It is all about inner strength and belief now. We need to call on every ounce of reserve and energy to make this happen.

"I am first to admit that the last 48 hours were probably the worst I've experienced in my time at Burnley.

"That defeat at Carlisle was extremely hard for me to swallow personally. "It hurt me deeply and I felt desperately sorry for our fans who had to watch that.

"It was unacceptable and hurtful.

"However, I am still very confident that the lads will bounce back.

"The Second Division is wide open for promotion and I don't see any reason why we can't make a sturdy challenge.

"OK, we are out of all the cup competitions. But we are seventh in the league and only a handful of points behind the leaders.

"We're in a fairly good position at the moment, but I accept it could be better.

"I am hoping Carlisle was a total one-off. We must try and bounce back from this setback in style.

"But what we need most of all is a game to get the defeat at Carlisle out of our systems.

"It is my job to make sure this doesn't happen again and try and make Stockport pay for the Carlisle United defeat."

Meanwhile, midfielder Alan Harper's move to third division Cardiff City went on hold today. Harper was due to enter hospital tonight for knee surgery which could rule him out for up to a month. Harper, on a second loan spell at Ninian Park, injured his knee in the New Year's Day clash at Preston and now faces a lengthy lay-off.

However, Cardiff are still expected to be favourites to sign the veteran star once he recovers fully.

"Alan has made a good impression at Cardiff and this setback is very bad luck for the lad," said Mullen.

Burnley's Turf Moor clash with Oxford, originally scheduled for New Year's Day, has been rearranged for Tuesday January 30, kick-off 7.30pm.

Burnley's A team lost 1-0 to a strong Manchester City outfit at Gawthorpe yesterday.

Burnley Supporters Club are running a coach to the FA Youth Cup tie against Norwich City at Carrow Road next Monday. Colne 11.45, Nelson 12.00, Burnley 12.15, Rawtenstall 12.30. £10. Tel 01706 216457.

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