ANDRE Bikey has told Burnley to make the most of their second chance at the play-offs, because he believes there will be only one winner if the Clarets finish in the top six.

The chances of extending their season beyond May 7 were boosted as they ended a six-game winless run against Swansea on Saturday, while Leeds United, who they play in the penultimate game, could only manage a draw at home to Watford.

The gap to the last play-off spot will be reduced to two points tonight if Burnley win their game in hand against Middlesbrough (kick-off 7.45pm).

And although Eddie Howe’s side face stiff competition from Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Hull, Millwall and Leicester in the race for sixth, Bikey has backed Burnley to edge the end of season lottery if they make it that far.

“If we get to the play-offs we will get promotion,” said the defender, who experienced the play-offs with Reading two seasons ago, missing out to the Clarets in the semi-finals.

“It’s like a different league when you get to the play-offs.

“We didn’t play well in the six or seven games before Saturday. That was a big disappointment for everybody because we know we haven’t performed like we have to - but I still think we’ve got the best team in the league.

“Sometimes having the best group doesn’t bring you success.

“But if we get to the play-offs we will show how good we are.”

However, Bikey knows they cannot afford any more slip-ups in the remaining five games, and has labelled tonight’s clash with Middlesbrough a ‘must win’.

“Winning tonight is the main thing now because that will put us in a better position, two points from the play-offs,” said the 26-year-old.

“Two years ago at Reading we were in a better position to get promotion at the end of it and we got nothing.

“We look like outsiders now. We’ve still a long way to go but we’ve still got a chance.

“We want to put Leeds under big pressure. They are vulnerable.

“If we get four wins in the last five games I think we will be there.”

And Bikey is pleased to be able to have an influence on the outcome of the remaining five games, after having to wait for his chance under Howe.

The Cameroon international was left out by caretaker boss Stuart Gray following Brian Laws’ sacking in late December, and wasn’t reinstated until last month’s game at Bristol City.

Bikey said he had regular discussions with Laws’ successor, after being left out in the cold before his appointment in January.

“I didn’t understand it because when I was dropped, nothing was said to me,” he explained.

“But you just have to be patient. If you try to make trouble you are going to lose everything. I’m professional.

"You have to be patient and wait for your opportunity and I’m happy to be playing again.

“The manager came in and I spoke with him a lot of times.

“We understood each other’s position. No-one’s happy on the bench but when he came here the team was doing well and you’re never going to change a winning team.

"If you don’t play but the team wins it’s going to be good for everyone.

“He tried to give me confidence and told me not to worry.

“I hope I keep playing because I will give my best to the team.”