MIND the gap is a recurring theme in the capital, and one that Burnley fans making their way to tomorrow’s game will see frequently on the tube.

It relates to the Championship table too, with the Hoops opening up a three-point advantage over the Clarets going into the televised crunch clash.

With the division’s meanest defences, and two of the fiercest attacking forces going up against each other, it could be edge of the seat viewing.

The chance of small budget Burnley leapfrogging their wealthy rivals back into second makes it all the more an unmissable game.

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton says the same goes for the players.

With Ross Wallace returning to full match fitness, Keith Treacy overcoming the neck injury that kept him out of Tuesday night’s goalless tussle with Brighton and Danny Lafferty back in contention after a thigh strain, there is a clamour from all Clarets to be involved in such an important top of the table battle.

“These are the games as players you’re desperate to play in, away at QPR, at the right end of the table, pushing for promotion as "We all know the quality they've got but I think we can take heart from what we did here earlier in the season. If we go about it with the same sort of mentality, we won't be taking them lightly but focusing on what we're doing.

"If we go about it in the right way there's no reason why we can't get a result."

Heaton insists the big game will be matched by a big mentality from Burnley.

"There's no getting away from the fact it's a big game. It's a top of the table clash, both teams chasing for promotion," he said.

"It's a chance to get up there and move up the table again.

"It's another three points that are all vital and three we're desperate for."

One of Heaton's 12 shut outs this season came in the first encounter with QPR.

Summer signing Charlie Austin barely got a kick on his Turf Moor return, never mind a chance at goal.

But Clarets are on red alert now that last season' top scorer has hit a scoring streak, but Burnley's number one insists the focus won't shift far from themselves.

"There won't be any special requirements for him (Austin)," said Heaton.

"As with every game we look at the players they've got in the side and possible things they may do but not go overboard.

"Probably one of the recurring themes of this season in why we've done so well is that we focus on what we're doing and just try to impose ourselves on the game and do the things that we do properly. No matter who you are if you do things properly generally you're going to defend properly and attack properly."