OPTIMISTIC Eddie Howe believes a tough run of fixtures is just what Burnley need to get out of their Championship rut.

The Clarets have had hopes of a second top six finish in three seasons dented after taking only one point from a possible 12.

But as the gap to sixth spot has failed to extend beyond three points, Howe remains hopeful of reviving their play-off push in the remaining eight games.

Burnley begin that run with back-to-back away fixtures at Leicester City on Saturday, followed on Tuesday by a trip to top six rivals Nottingham Forest, who have also faltered in recent weeks.

The Clarets have been frustrated at their inability to capitalise on teams above them, including Leeds United, slipping up, but Howe said: “We've got tough fixtures coming up. You look at them on paper and you think they're difficult games but it's probably just what we need.

“We're still in and around it despite a bad run of form, but we are running out of games and we need to turn the corner quickly.

“It's frustrating because I don't think we're far away from turning the corner in terms of results.

“I can look at my team selection and who I pick.

“Training wise the lads have been bright and have looked good.

“If we can tighten up defensively and not gift teams goals, because that’s what we’re doing at the moment, I think we’ll have a chance.”

The Clarets’ cause has been hit by injuries to key players, and their front line has been the worst affected with January signing Charlie Austin out for the season after dislocating his shoulder, Steven Thompson battling back from groin surgery and Martin Paterson missing most of the season with a thigh injury.

But a lack of creativity wasn’t Howe’s only concern in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich.

“For whatever reason we didn’t win our tackles, we didn’t win the midfield battle. I thought they dominated us,” said the Burnley boss.

“It's disappointing because we're waiting for everything to click into gear.

“I don't think we're far away from bossing games and doing what we need to do but small margins cost you games and I felt the goals we conceded gave us a mountain to climb.”

Howe was, however, encouraged by the debut of on-loan Everton defender Shane Duffy, who lined up alongside Andre Bikey.

But he is looking for an all-round team effort to turn Burnley’s fortunes around.

“We need to stick together,” he said.

“It’s a cliche I know, but we do at this stage of the season with so few games to go.

“We’re obviously having a dip in form at a bad stage of the season.

“I don’t think we’ve become a bad team but we’re making it difficult for ourselves.

“We need to try to be positive - there’s no point being the other way around - and it can turn around very quickly.

“We’ve got two tough away fixtures to come. We need to roll our sleeves up and go again.”