LAST month I said I would take seven points from the nine available from Nottingham Forest, Derby and Blackburnd.

After achieving six out of six so far, now I want nine!

It would mean the world to Burnley fans to beat their bitter rivals on Sunday.

I’d say this is the best prepared the Clarets have been for derby day in recent times, and they go into it with the best chance to end their long-standing hoodoo.

Manager Sean Dyche will, of course, keep his players focused on the task in hand and not all the hype surrounding the fixture.

He has done a good job of keeping the side going from game to game and not getting carried away.

He will be pleased that Danny Ings and Sam Vokes both reported back from international duty unscathed.

Vokes even had the benefit of 90 minutes and a goal for Wales in their 3-1 win over Iceland.

He is a worthy winner of the player of the month award for February.

I must admit I’ve had my doubts about the striker in the past but he is certainly proving me wrong this season.

He has come on leaps and bounds with regular football, his movement is excellent and he has a good touch.

The goals are coming with it too, and the award is recognition of the season he is having – and rightly so.

Neither he or Ings were on the scoresheet against Derby County but we proved that we don’t need to rely on them with two goals from the midfield men.

Derby looked a fair side, but everything went right for us, including a big refereeing call.

That hasn’t happened too often – but these decisions can change not just games but seasons.

We are building momentum nicely and I don’t see any reason why it can’t carry on through the last 13 games, starting this weekend.

I would settle for an ugly 1-0 win.

But you want to win with a bit of style and pride.

It’s going to be difficult because they will be up for it, especially after their 4-0 drubbing at Bolton. There’s bound to be a reaction.

But if we can start quickly and get an early goal, that will stand us in good stead.