Owen Coyle has warned his players "the heat is on" as he looks to build a bright future at Burnley.

Consecutive defeats to Wolves and Preston have left the Clarets four points adrift of the top six.

And with the season drawing to its conclusion, the gaffer has urged his side to show their true colours as they look to bridge the gap on their play-off rivals, starting with this weekend's home match with FA Cup semi-finalists Barnsley.

"I want the players now to show that they want be a part of what we are going to do," insisted Coyle.

"We are going to build this and we are going to make ourselves a far stronger team next season.

"I want the players between now and the end of the season whether they are in contract or out of contract, to show they want to be a part of it.

"I think this is the time when the heat is on in terms of trying to win games at the business end of the season.

"The players have to show they want to be a part of it and show they are able to play to that level of performance we are looking for.

"Whether they are out of contract or not , if I think they are not up for the task then the bottom line is they wont play in the team.

"It's up to them to show, in contract or out of contract, that they want to be a part of it."

It will certainly be a test of character for the Clarets as they look to claw back into contention with play-off rivals.

And Coyle insists mental strength will be a key factor, with concentration levels needed to be at their highest as the Clarets enter the Championship's final straight.

"It's not just this season, it's every season at the business end that I need that type of character," admitted Coyle.

"Its one thing to have all the ability in the world - it's another thing to have mental strength that you can add to all the ability and all the other attributes that you've got.

"And that's the type of players we want at the football club.

"I want hungry players out there willing to pull that jersey on.

"Certainly the fans look to see that they are giving all they've got, that they are mentally strong and want to do this for the football club.

"That's the type of players we want on this journey."

Defender Stan Varga could come back into contention for Saturday's game with Barnsley.

Coyle will check on the fitness of several players ahead of this weekend's Roses clash - and with Michael Duff now only a week away from full fitness folllowing another reserve game in mid-week, the gaffer has a number of selection posers.

"There are a number of options in the central defence. Hopefully Stan Varga, who had an injection at the start of the week in his foot, will train on Friday," added Coyle, who is missing the suspended Clarke Carlisle.

"David Unsworth played a reserves game with Michael (Duff) on Wednesday night at Morecambe.

"So there are players that can step in to that void.

"We will give that due consideration and find out who the right partnership is for Saturday."

You can now see Owen Coyle's pre-match press conference only on ClaretsWorld.

And if you can't make it to Turf Moor this weekend, why not spend the afternoon in the company of Phil Bird on Clarets World?

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