Team news

Fletcher doubtful for Clarets Burnley striker Steven Fletcher faces a late fitness test ahead of the Barclays Premier League match against Stoke at Turf Moor.

Fletcher missed the defeat by Arsenal at the weekend after suffering a broken hand on international duty with Scotland.

Chris McCann (knee) and Steve Caldwell (groin) remain sidelined through injury as Burnley attempt to climb out of the relegation zone.

Veteran striker Robbie Blake believes Burnley can take the first step towards safety in Wednesday's game.

A victory would lift the team out of the relegation zone and give the players a welcome boost ahead of a further home game against fellow strugglers Wolves on Saturday.

Burnley have been written off already by many pundits and tipped for a quick return to the Coca-Cola Championship.

But Blake, 34, is adamant they can prove their critics wrong.

He said: "People are writing us off but there are 10 games to go. It is a bit harsh.

"We are not expected to stay in this league but we know we are good enough to do that.

"It's the teams in and around us who are under pressure. We have just got to believe in ourselves.

"We always create chances and score goals. We have good attacking players. That's what we have got to build on.

"It is a massive week. It is pivotal in the season. If we can get three points against Stoke it will set us up nicely for Wolves.

"We know we are good enough to turn teams over at home. We have got to attack them from the start. If we do that we will get the result we want." Blake knows they will have their work cut out against a Stoke side he claims are under-rated.

"They don't get the recognition they deserve, " said Blake. "They have players who can pass the ball.

"They are a very difficult side to beat but as well as that they play football. We are aware it will be very competitive." Stoke manager Tony Pulis has a number of injury concerns ahead of the game.

Glenn Whelan is the latest to need treatment after suffering a hamstring problem. Matthew Etherington (knee), Danny Higginbotham (back) and James Beattie (knee) are all doubtful through injury.

Salif Diao is sidelined with a calf strain while Ryan Shawcross remains suspended.

Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye believes they still have to work to do to retain their top flight status.

That's why he believes it is vital the team bounce back at Burnley following the FA Cup defeat by Chelsea.

Although Stoke would appear to be safe with 34 points and 11 games remaining Faye is refusing to take anything for granted.

He told the Sentinel: "The objective of this club is to stay in the Premier League.

"We need to look forward and prepare for the next game against Burnley and be ready to play really well.

"The match is more important than Chelsea. We need to win these games to stay in the Premier League." Faye says he is getting back to his best form after an indifferent season, which has seen him troubled by a back injury and sent off twice.

The central defender completed his first full game for nearly two months at Stamford Bridge and is ready to kick on.

He said: "It is a long time since I played 90 minutes because of injuries. But now I am fit and I am happy that I've played the full game.

Burnley vs Stoke

Last modified 23:02 10/03/10

Brian Laws got hit in the privates with the ball - and his Burnley team were also left wincing after being whacked where it hurts by the Delapidator.

Burnley did everything they could to stop Rory Delap. They got the low-down on him from his old team-mate Leon Cort and even moved forward the advertising hoardings to restrict his run-up.

Clarets go to Cort to stop the Delapidator 

But the Clarets still fell victim to the human catapult as Tuncay headed home his long throw-in to maintain Stoke's push for a top 10 finish.

Laws defended his failed attempts to shackle Delap and blamed his defenders for losing their shape.

"The hoardings are for the advertisers," said the Burnley boss with the straightest of faces. "That's what marketing people do, don't they?

"We got too excited for his throw-in. Four players went for one ball when all they had to do was stay in their positions because it's the second phase they get their goals from.

"We aren't the first to concede a goal this way and we won't be the last."

Tony Pulis tried not to gloat, but there was a twinkle in the Stoke manager's eye when he was asked about Laws' blatant gamesmanship.

"We noticed the hoardings as soon as we came out on to the pitch, but you get on with it," said Pulis, who handed Louis Moult his debut. "It's their football club and their ground and they will do what they feel they have to do.

"I don't care where our goals come from and it's always satisfying when we score."

Laws' men rallied in the second half and grabbed a deserved point in their fight for survival through their lucky talisman Dave Nugent, who has helped them to two wins and two draws with his six goals.

Despite the on-loan striker's efforts, Burnley remain in the bottom three and have won just one of their last 18 Premier League games.

They know they should have won this game and Jack Cork gave the ball away trying to play in Martin Paterson when the on-loan Chelsea youngster would have been better shooting himself before Danny Fox's low effort was pushed around the post by Thomas Sorensen.

Delap helped Stoke to a 23rd minute lead when he cleverly angled his run-up to avoid the hoardings and Mamady Sidibe flicked on his throw for Tuncay to head home his fifth goal of the season.

It was the 10th goal Delap has had a hand in this season and was the 61st conceded by Burnley's defence, which is the leakiest in the Premier League.

Paterson produced a piece of magic wing play to turn Danny Collins before sending over a perfect cross from the right for Nugent to head home on 52 minutes and turn the game Burnley's way.

The Clarets came closest to a winner and the lively Chris Eagles had an effort saved before substitute Kevin McDonald curled a shot just wide in stoppage time.