IT's far too early to start worrying. Isn't it? Well, probably, but nevertheless that won't stop the growing concern amongst Burnley's supporters after the recent run which has left the Clarets in 18th spot, just four points from the relegation zone. Or as the manager himself put it, "in the ****".

Fair enough, Burnley have only lost three of their last 10 league outings. But that is about the only positive at the moment.

Other statistics make for much gloomier reading. The Clarets have won only one in nine. Richard Chaplow's strike against Cardiff is the only time Burnley have found the net in six hours of football. And top scorer, Robbie Blake, after scoring for fun in August and September, is one game short of 10 without a goal.

In their defence, the loss of form has coincided with the absence of the influential David May, the return to Ewood Park of Andy Todd and a flu virus which depleted an already thin squad -- three major blows. That having been said, those blows were softened by the return to Turf Moor of Glen Little and Arthur Gnohere.

Nevertheless, the fact remains that for the time being at least, Burnley are embroiled in a relegation battle. The reasons behind this are twofold, and when written down look absurdly obvious -- we are giving teams goals and not scoring enough.

As Ternent himself said as he rued David May's decision to step up for offside, "if it's not one thing, it's another and it's just ridiculous."

Defensive sloppiness is costing the Clarets dear. Gaffes against Wimbledon, Millwall, Cardiff, Sheffield United and now Derby have robbed Burnley of precious points.

Meanwhile, things have not been over impressive going forward.

The last time Burnley passed a team off the park was back in September as a beleaguered Bradford were convincingly culled in a barnstorming second half display.

Another problem is that, following the sale of Gareth Taylor, the Clarets have no one who looks like delivering 20 goals a season.

Following Saturday's defeat, Ternent went on record as saying that the players are more than good enough to get the club out of their present predicament. Yet he will be just as concerned that it is that exact same group of players who have taken Burnley to their current position.

Should the Clarets find themselves down amongst the dead men come January, it will be time to see if emergency funding can be released to breathe some new life into the squad.

Should that not prove possible, then it really will be time to start worrying.