BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent hailed his entire side as heroes following the gritty stalemate at high-flying Wigan.

But he reserved special praise for defensive duo David May and Mark McGregor after they blunted Wigan's multi-million pound strike force.

Ternent said: "They were all heroes because they worked very, very hard and have the bit between their teeth right now. We haven't lost this year and I think the lads enjoy that.

"Certainly if we continue to concede no goals, or even one a game, we are always in with a chance because we have a knack of scoring goals.

"But I have to say that May and McGregor were resolute and I thought they broke the two strikers hearts at the end. They are £4m-worth (of players) and I thought they saw them off big style."

Both Nathan Ellington and record signing Jason Roberts were forced to feed off scraps as the Clarets dug deep to earn another crucial point in their survival battle.

The draw extended Burnley's unbeaten run to five games, during which they have conceded just two goals in a welcome defensive mean streak,

And Ternent believes that battling spirit is the strongest signal yet that the Clarets have the fire in their bellies for the fight ahead.

He added: "It was a typical derby really. No quarter asked and no quarter given and I thought we played very well and showed a lot of character against a very good side.

"Paul (Jewell) has a well drilled, well organised, big, strong, powerful outfit and we stuck to the task really well and deserved the point.

"I don't think many sides will come here and get results -- most of them will crumble. But our lads showed a lot of character and I'm pleased for them.

"We even had the best chance of the game and it fell to the player I would have wanted it to (Robbie Blake), but the keeper made a good save.

"All in all though, I am happy with the point. We are doing all right and we could just do with winning a couple of league games. But if they keep on the way they are going, they will do that."

Of Ternent's three recent loan signings, only Manchester United starlet Neil Wood got the nod from the start at the JJB Stadium, replacing Alan Moore on the left side of midfield.

Newcastle midfielder Bradley Orr made a brief appearance as a late substitute, while ever-present Brian Jensen got the nod over highly-rated Charlton goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.

Ternent revealed: "I wasn't tempted to stick Paul in. He needs to be with us a little longer and he needs a little more work because he had glandular fever, the same as Richard Chaplow, and he is still getting over it.

"But I wouldn't have any doubts about putting him in because he's a very good goalkeeper and for the first time in a while, I've got two decent keepers."

He added: "Neil played very well. He has a fantastic left peg and he gives us a good balance. He is not comfortable really on the outside of a three, but I played him a little tighter and I thought he played fantastically well.

"He had a good chance too and he used to be a striker .. it's no wonder they moved him back to midfield!"