BURNLEY Under-23 boss Steve Stone is pleased to see his side challenging on two fronts as he prepares for tonight’s trip to Hull City (7pm).

A 4-2 win at Bolton lifted the Clarets to second place in the Professional Development League and they remain in contention to qualify in the Premier League Cup, knowing a win against West Brom in their final group match later this month will see them through.

And Stone believes his side, who have pieced together a five-game unbeaten run, are keen to build on that momentum.

“The lads just want to keep rolling their sleeves up and keep going out there at the minute, that is what happens when you win games you just want to go out and keep playing,” he said.

Burnley suffered back to back defeats to open the year but since then have found their feet and Stone is pleased to be in the mix for the title.

“You want to be at the sharp end of the stick,” he added.

“The ones that were disappointing were the Barnsley and the Sheffield Wednesday games we lost straight after Christmas

“That’s where the lads couldn’t re-focus after having time off and that’s what happens with young guys.

But this (win over Bolton) certainly now gives them something to go for and that’s what you want.

“You want to be playing against Category One teams and I want to test the players and keep testing them.

“And there are some games coming up now which will drive them.”

One such game is the visit of the Baggies youngsters to Tameside Stadium on Monday week (2pm) which will see the Clarets pit their wits against a side playing in the Premier League 2 Division 2.

Victory for Burnley will see them into the last 16 and Stone believes the win or bust approach will be beneficial for his side.

“It’s an awful thing when you need to draw a game with how you approach it. If you know you have got to win you have to go and win the game.

“You don’t go hell for leather, you play it as a normal game and you try and win it.

“They are a good side, make no bones about it, we hung on for a 2-2 last time and they were really good.

“We will keep our group together, we wont drop any first team lads in, we will develop this team and win, lose or draw these lads will have a go.”