CLARETS captain Steve Davis believes Burnley will thrive on the pressure of being play-off contenders when the new season kicks off.

As newly promoted dark horses, Stan Ternent's men enjoyed an outstanding first year back in Division One when they defied the odds to miss out on the play-offs by just two points.

As a result, Burnley will inevitably be regarded as serious top-six candidates from the off this time around.

And Davis believes that status should bring the best out of the players.

He said: "Expectations are going to be similar because of what we've achieved. But it's a great position to be in. It's nice to be talked about as a club possibly going up as opposed to a club fighting at the other end.

"I think there is pressure but it's great. Pressure is a good thing if you can thrive on it. It does give you that extra little bit.

"I think that was proved with the end of season games that we had. There was always a little bit on it and that bit of pressure makes you a little bit sharper and gives you that little bit more edge.

"I hope every game next year is a pressure game, but for the right reasons."

Burnley's top-six aspirations may depend on Ternent's success in the summer transfer market as he looks to strengthen a squad that was exposed at times last season by the absence of key men Glen Little, Lee Briscoe and Kevin Ball.

And Davis is looking forward to the arrival of some new faces when he reports back for pre-season training next month.

"It would be great if the manager could bring in three or four players, as has been mentioned in the Press," he added.

"Competition for places is a great thing. Centre-halves have been mentioned but I'm still pleased because it puts a bit of pressure on the lads who are playing because no-one's guaranteed a place, which was proven with Coxy really.

"He was probably a bit surprised at the way his season ended but that's what happens when you're at a club that's progressing and I'm pleased to say that Burnley are progressing.