DAVID Eyres has been optimistic of Burnley’s play-off credentials this season, but Monday night’s massive win over Sheffield United gave him conclusive evidence that the Clarets will be the team to watch once their top six billing is secured.

The 45-year-old became a legend among the Turf Moor faithful when he fired Burnley into the former Division One, with the opener in their 1994 play-off final 2-1 win over Stockport.

And with only a win, at best, required at stricken Southampton this afternoon, the former winger believes the stage is set for the Clarets to repeat their Wembley fete.

“Three points against Sheffield United restored the four-point gap so they can go to Southampton a little more relaxed than what they might have done had they just earned a point,” said Eyres.

“And the performance the other night confirmed to me if they’re good enough to beat them, they’re good enough to beat anybody now in the play-offs.

“With the sort of form they’re in at the moment I don’t think they fear anybody, and I don’t think any team in the play-offs would fancy playing Burnley.

“They’re an entertaining team to watch, and that’s credit to Owen Coyle.

“I think he’s brilliant, and his attitude rubs off on the players.

“Every time I speak to him he sounds like he’s won the lottery he’s so positive. He’s a really bubbly character and a winner, and he likes to play football the right way.

“And you can see when they go out and play football, the players are enjoying it as well.

“He should be credited for the success so far this season. But he’ll know they’ve not done anything yet.

“He will be judged, hopefully, if Burnley are promoted to the Premier League.”

The Clarets will take a step nearer their target should results go their way this afternoon.

Even if they fail to win at St Mary’s Stadium, defeats for both Swansea and Preston would allow Burnley to take an unassailable advantage going into the final game, at home to Bristol City.

But although Eyres accepts this afternoon’s task has been made more difficult by relegated Southampton’s plight, who need to move out of the bottom three to avoid starting life in League One with a 10-point deduction, after their parent company went into administration, he knows Burnley will want to have their destiny in their own hands.

“I think if Burnley play to their capabilities - certainly the way they played against Sheffield United - then they’ve got nothing to worry about,” said the Liverpudlian, who has been impressed with the team spirit Coyle has engineered.

“You can see it in their play,” he said.

“I’ve managed to see them quite a few times this season and it’s great when you see your old club doing well.

“Robbie Blake and Wade Elliott are footballers who I would pay to watch. They’re entertaining, creative and have bags of skill. Then there’s the likes of Chris McCann, who will run forever in games; the back four and goalkeeper are rock solid and they’ve got lads up front who can create. They’ve got a mixture of everything throughout the team.”

And, like Coyle, Eyres has backed top scorer to Martin Paterson to weigh in with some important goals.

“Rhys Williams’ cross into the box was worthy of a goal on Monday, and for his work-rate Martin Paterson deserves to get the goals.

“On the pitch, when he doesn’t score he is tremendous, but it’s nice to see him get off the mark, and I expect him to get more.”