OWEN Coyle has called for football to do the talking for Burnley and Blackburn Rovers on derby day.

The Clarets manager is eagerly anticipating his first taste of this East Lancashire clash, at Ewood Park next Sunday (kick-off 1pm).

But with police and both clubs taking special measures to ensure the first league meeting between the two teams for more than eight years passes off peacefully, Coyle has urged supporters from both sides not to let over-riding passions prompt ugly scenes.

“Having played at Bolton, which is not too far along the road, I actually wasn’t aware of the intense rivalry between Blackburn and Burnley. I certainly am now since coming to the football club,” said former striker Coyle, who played for the Trotters from 1993 to 1995.

“What I do hope, as I always do, is that it’s a good footballing game.

“Yes, have good natured banter; at the end of the day we’re two clubs in a local vicinity who are in one of the very best leagues in the world.

“I think it’s great for a local community and it’s great to have rivalry. It’s fantastic as long as it’s no more than that.”

Burnley top the latest Premier League Behaviour of the Public Fair Play table with an average score 9.14 out of 10, ahead of Everton in second place with 8.33.

Yet under police instruction, all Burnley supporters MUST travel to Ewood Park on authorised coaches leaving Turf Moor at 10.15am on the day of the game.

Lancashire Police will cordon off the Ewood area, and visiting fans will not be allowed entry if they make alternative travel arrangements.

Many have voiced their displeasure at such restrictions, which will also be enforced for travelling Blackburn supporters for the return fixture in March.

But focusing on events on the field, Coyle said: “I think (the derby) is great for a local community, so let’s go and make it a real footballing game; everybody treat it in the right manner, in the right spirit, and if we do that then I think it will serve the county well.”