‘We are under no illusions’ - Burnley boss Scott Parker sends key warning his team ahead of Portsmouth clash

Burnley boss Scott Parker has warned his players not to take Portsmouth lightly in this weekend’s crucial Championship clash at Turf Moor.

The Clarets, fresh from a 1-0 victory away to title favourites Leeds, are targeting an immediate return to the Premier League and the third promotion of Parker’s career.

After a promising start to the season, they find themselves in fourth position with 10 points from five matches, while Portsmouth have had a baptism of fire in their return to the Championship and are still waiting for their first victory after winning promotion last season.

Pompey currently sit second bottom of the Championship table after a tough start, which has seen them suffer defeats against Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, they are however, able to take away some positives from draws against Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Luton Town.

“They have had an incredibly tough start,” Parker told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“They have played some very good teams - they scored three goals at Elland Road – and had some good results, Luton as well.

“We are under no illusions about what we are going to see when the game starts at 3 o’clock. It will be a difficult fixture for us, there is no doubt about that.

“We need to go into it fully focused and understand the dynamics of it. It will be tough but I will probably say that every week because that is what this division is, there are no easy games.”

Burnley have already enjoyed a sensational 4-1 away victory at Luton Town and a 5-0 victory at home to Cardiff City but had to show resilience to keep a clean sheet against Leeds United as James Trafford produced a top-draw display between the posts.

Parker commented: ““Football games can be won in many different ways. There is a way I want to play, you want to go and win football matches in this perfect way. 

“But in certain moments, what can get you the best result and what can get you a result - that is the game we are in.

“I sit in this position where you ultimately need to try and get three points. There are different ways, of course.

“The dynamics in that moment and where you are as a squad dictates that. It was a really good performance all round in that sense.”

He added: “Momentum is key, we have picked up some really good results and some positive performances. There is still loads of work to do and the players all understand that.

“They are a good group of boys who want to be among it, learn and listen. They understand what we need to be this season for us to be successful.”