STEVE Cotterill is demanding more goals from his Burnley defenders next season.

The Clarets boss believes there is enough ability among his back-line players to grab more than their fair share and help out the club's main goal-getters.

But hitting the back of the net has proved a sticking point and Cotterill wants that to change.

"We are disappointed with the amount of goals we've got from defence, make no bones about that," said Cotterill.

"Especially for the aerial ability we've got in the team and for the times they have gone into the box.

"I think that when balls come in our box, invariably our defenders will get their head on it.

"We don't have a problem in our box. It seems to be in the oppositions' box, we haven't opened teams up enough.

"To be honest, that's down to the individual because I think we've given them so many different runs and so many different set-plays.

"I think now it's down to the individual and his own desire to attack the ball.

"That is the secret, getting your timing right and attacking the ball."

Cotterill admits to being disappointed with the shortage of goals from Michael Duff.

Earlier in his career at Cheltenham, where Cotterill was also his manager, the Northern Ireland defender was relied upon to chip in with vital strikes.

Cotterill added: "For me, a major disappointment is Michael Duff because I know he can score and yet here it's as though he can't."

Cotterill's men next face local side US Alense tomorrow, before flying back to England on Saturday.

Despite the previous lack of goal from defence, Cotterill believes the tide will change next season.

Steve Foster, bought on a free-transfer from Crewe this summer, proved a massive threat at set-pieces during his lengthy stay with the Railwaymen.

Cotterill expects the former Gresty Road man to weigh in, while Wayne Thomas is also being tipped to make his mark during the Championship season, which begins for the Clarets on August 5 at home to QPR.

"I am sure this season, Steve Foster and Wayne Thomas will score.

"How long, I don't know. Hopefully, it's very, very early, preferably the first 10 minutes on August 5.

"But they will score, that I am almost convinced of."

Burnley players were yesterday given a day off to relax on their Italian pre-season training trip near Lake Garda.

In the first of their two friendly matches at their Sport Hotel Veronello base, the Clarets brushed aside Selezione Verona XI 7-0, with striker Steve Jones smashing four goals.