DAVID May is urging fans to raise the roof and roar Burnley to safety.

Five of the remaining eight league games, including today's clash with table-toppers Norwich, will be fought out at Turf Moor.

And May believes a fervent home crowd could be the difference between success and failure in the closing weeks of the season.

The Clarets defender insisted: "The fans have a massive, massive part to play. At Bradford last Saturday they were different class and they probably don't realise what a big lift it gives the lads.

"It's a massive lift for everybody - and at the end of the day they have a massive say in the future of this club.

"Come along, fill the ground and bring your kids, but the main thing is to cheer us on, not start moaning if we go one goal down or things are not going too well.

"It's not as if we are not trying and we certainly don't mean to make mistakes. Certain pressures cause them, but there is nothing better than walking out to full stands with everyone behind you. It gives you a lift and it can be intimidating for the away team."

After today, May becomes a supporter himself for two games following the ban dished out for picking up his 10th booking of the season at Bradford.

In his absence, Graham Branch and Mark McGregor seem certain to be charged with keeping things tight for the Easter double-header away to Walsall and then at home to Watford.

And May threw his full support behind rookie centre-back Branch, who admits he is still learning his trade in the heart of the defence.

The former Manchester United stopper said: "I wouldn't say centre back is the easiest position to play, but it is one of the easiest because everything is on front of you, coming on to you.

"Graham has adapted and done really well. He has pace and is good in the air. He's two-footed, reads the game well and talks very well. What more do you want?"

Three more wins is the target set by manager Stan Ternent for First Division survival.

And with five of those games coming against fellow strugglers, May accepts that survival is very much in Burnley's own hands.

He said: "The positive thing is that there are so many teams in and around us.

"With the likes of Wimbledon and Watford, I would look at us taking six points there, then I look at other teams like Rotherham and Walsall away.

"A point at each of those and we would be safe.

"It still needs to be done, but there can be no more slip-ups."

As expected, Bradford City have confirmed they will be fulfilling their First Division fixtures for this season, despite a deepening of the cash crisis.

The news eliminates the risk of Burnley having the six points gained against City expunged from the records.