IT was former manager Stan Ternent who came out with the reality check comparison quote of ‘it’s Burnley not Barcelona’ to emphasise the vast gulf in financial resources available to each club in order to gain success on the pitch.

This was perfectly demonstrated last Tuesday when Barca eased past Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.

For the first half at Turf Moor on Saturday you would have been forgiven for thinking that the Catalan side had extended their stay in the region, donned claret and blue shirts, and made a guest appearance for Burnley.

I realise the magnitude of that statement – but really and truly it was that good.

Now I know that any mention of the ‘P’ word is probably banned by manager Sean Dyche and his playing squad but that doesn’t stop the rest of us from speculating about whether or not our dream will come true.

Regular readers may or may not remember my column published on November 19 last year.

In it I wrote how I personally divide the season into three phases in an attempt to work out how many points are required to achieve our ultimate aim of promotion.

Back then after approximately a third of the season and 15 games played, we were two points clear at the top of the table.

However, that is where I advised a note of caution for the second phase that I designated as the end of February, which is where we are now.

The reason being that Burnley were having to face what I considered much tougher fixtures making the points harder to come by.

Well I am delighted to say that target of 60 points that I set has been surpassed and provides a solid springboard for our third and final phase as we go for the big push.

There’s 14 games left and 42 points up for grabs and although Hull City gained promotion with a second-placed finish of 79 points last year I would regard that total as a one off.

A figure in the mid-80s might be the requirement this time around, or another 22 points.

Our form throughout the last seven months has shown that the prize is within our grasp.

It’s going to take another mighty effort from the players and fans alike if we are to succeed.

The stakes are high but the reward far greater, there can be no bigger motivation.