BURNLEY defender James Tarkowski believes a good run in the FA Cup could be vital this season, after the Clarets drew 0-0 at Sunderland in the third round on Saturday meaning they will in the hat for tonight’s draw.

Tarkowski, making just his second start of the season for the Clarets, came as close to anyone as settling the tie on the day at the Stadium of the Light when he hit the post with a header.

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But despite Burnley looking the more likely to find a winner they will now have to do it all again at Turf Moor a week tomorrow.

The Clarets will now be favourites to reach the fourth round and Tarkowski believes a cup run could help with Burnley’s number one target this season, which is securing a second season in the Premier League.

“I’d much rather have had the win but a replay is a good chance for me to get some more minutes under my belt if the gaffer picks me again,” he said.

“It’s not ideal, I think both teams want to concentrate on the league, but the cup can be important to build confidence and get lads out there who need minutes.

“So we look forward to the replay.”

Burnley created enough chances to win the game at Sunderland and defended well, with goalkeeper Nick Pope barely tested.

It was an 11th league and cup away from home without a win this season for the Clarets, but Tarkowski believes the squad can take confidence from their display in the north east.

“First half they maybe had the better of it without creating too much, just a few long range shots, and then second half we’ve hit the post, Barnesy had a good effort, we’ve had the better of it,” said Tarkowski.

“It was a good performance, especially defensively, away from home we’ve not got the results we’ve wanted this season so we can build on that for the future.”

Of his own chance, Tarkowski added: “When it left my head I hoped it was going in but as I looked up I think it’s got a deflection and gone on to the post. Barnesy had a half decent chance and I think we had the better of the chances.”

Burnley will find out their potential fourth round opponents when the draw takes place at around 7.10pm tonight live on BBC Two and BT Sport 2, with the Clarets ball number five.

“We’re still in the draw. I think for both teams the Premier League is the most important, but you still want to do well in the cup,” said Tarkowski.

“There were a few changes but some of the lads needed minutes, especially myself, so it was good to get out there and play.”

One of those changes was a second Burnley debut for Joey Barton following his return to the club after his move to Glasgow Rangers turned sour, and Tarkowski is pleased to see last season’s supporters’ player of the year back at Turf Moor.

“You know what Joey is like. He’s loud, he gets involved and he gets the lads going. He’ll be a good signing for us,” he said.

“Things didn’t work out at Rangers for him but he did very well for us last year so I’m sure it’s good to be back around the lads again.”