Dean Marney hopes Burnley FC go on a late run

Three years ago, Marney helped Hull City to promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, as Phil Brown’s side snook up on the rails with a late run into the top six.

And Marney wants Burnley to build on Saturday’s 2-1 win over second place Norwich at Turf Moor by making a concerted push for the top six in the remaining 17 games.

Victory took the Clarets 10th in the table, six points from Leeds in sixth, with a game in hand.

Burnley have 43 points from 29 games so far - while Hull had 44 three seasons ago.

Interestingly, Owen Coyle’s Clarets had 43 points at the same stage on the way to promotion two years ago.

Both that side and Hull enjoyed a remarkable end to the season, building up a head of steam, and Marney feels Burnley are more than capable of matching those achievements.

Speaking after his third goal of the season on Saturday - and second in four games - he said: “It’s very similar to Hull. There was a good squad then, and I would say this squad is even better.

“At Hull we managed to put a few wins together at the right time, and it propels you into a great position.

“I’m hoping that’s what we’ll do. I think it would be foolish for anyone not to worry about us if you look at the squad we’ve got.

“At the minute we just can’t seem to put a run together though, which is costing us really.

“If we can get two or three wins back-to-back, it looks completely different to where we are at the minute.

“It’s a big win, and it’s important that we build on it.”

Burnley have yet to record successive league wins, but, paradoxically, have not lost two on the spin either.

And the win over Norwich was a great response to the midweek setback at Doncaster: “It was a massive win, especially after the disappointment of Tuesday.

“The gaffer said on Friday that he wanted a reaction and I think everyone could see the effort the lads were putting in against a good side.

“It was a good win.

“The squad that we’ve got is as good as anyone’s, but it’s alright having the players, it’s all about results.

“When it comes to the sort of games like Doncaster away, they’re the ones that we need to win and to lose was massively disappointing.

“It’s important that we try to put a run together because the Portsmouth win was a great win, and obviously in the next league game against Doncaster we let ourselves down, so it’s important we try to put a little run together and put ourselves where we should be.”

Marney is starting to chip in with some key goals - having found his shooting boots under Eddie Howe.

His overhead kick won the points at Portsmouth two weeks ago, and his superb strike set the Clarets on their way against his former club.

He feels he can contribute more in that department as well: “Hopefully I’ll start adding a few more goals.

“As a midfielder you’re expected to chip in with goals.

“My record over the previous years, it’s never been one of my strong points, but it’s something that obviously helps myself and helps the teams so it’s important.

“My track record of shooting hasn’t been great, but I try not to let it get to me.

“I know what I’m capable of once I get the chances.

“I’ve snatched at a few lately but thankfully a couple have gone in.

“We can’t rely on the strikers week in week out, even though their quality is there for all to see. Everyone else needs to chip in and that will help the team.”

Marney’s goals have come when he has played in a two-man central midfield, rather than a three, and he feels that has been a factor: “I went from playing in a three to a two, so it’s maybe a little bit more on the defensive side in a two.

“Maybe I can just pick my runs a little bit better. I think sometimes when I was playing in a three, maybe I was just sorting of standing and waiting in the box for things to drop, as opposed to coming onto things.

“But I’m enjoying it at the minute.

“It’s important I try to add to it.

“I’ve got two since the new gaffer’s come in so hopefully I can keep that up.”