STAN Ternent is ready to make a few people eat their words. The Clarets boss is confident that his side will reach the play-offs and rounded on the 'pundits' who reckon that the Turf Moor club won't make the cut.

"A lot of the pundits are saying that Burnley won't make it to the play-offs," said Ternent.

"So we will just have to go out and prove them wrong ."

Burnley have three games remaining to make certain of a play-off slot and the next step is at home to Gillingham tomorrow.

"This is our biggest match of the season so far, and probably the biggest match we have had since I have been at the club," said Ternent.

"While things are still in our own hands at the moment, if we win this one it will put us back in the driving seat.

"But we face a must win situation - we can't afford to slip.

"Gillingham are a good side, they have had a strong season and they will be very difficult opponents.

"So if we can beat them then that will be a huge step forward towards the play-offs."

Gillingham have proved tough opponents to crack for the Clarets, who have not beaten the Priestfield side in their last nine meetings, but a success would lift the Clarets to 72 points - an important tally for Ternent.

"If we win then we will have matched the points total that we had last season when we finished just outside the play-offs," he explained.

"Then we will have two games to play, so tomorrow is a massive match for us.

"Obviously what happens everywhere else will have a bearing on things and we will have to see where we stand.

"But we have nine points left to play for and we will try and and make sure that nine points is what we get."

However, the Clarets are without a win for four League games and Ternent was alert to the fact that recent performances have not been totally convincing - though he felt there were mitigating circumstances.

"I think that we can play a lot better than we have been doing of late," he admitted.

"But you have to take into account what is at stake, so I can understand some of the performances.

"But sooner or later we will click back into gear and as soon as we win a match then I am sure we will be fine.

"We have had our iffy run and now it is time to crack on!"