OWEN Coyle has backed his Clarets side to pile the pressure on the Championship's big-hitters in their quest for a coveted play-off spot.

The Burnley manager was delighted with his side's showing on Tuesday night as they turned in a professional performance to beat Coventry City 2-0 at Turf Moor.

On top of an important three points - which took Burnley's season tally to 50 - Coyle was pleased with his side's all-round display, and offered special words of praise to Ade Akinbiyi and on-loan teenage midfielder Mark Randall.

As the Clarets continue their push for a play-off spot, he has now urged his men to keep plugging away with a series of tough fixtures lying in wait.

High-flying Watford arrive at Turf Moor on Saturday, with Charlton and table-toppers Stoke also on the horizon in early March.

"It was a big win and it puts us on 50 points, which is always talked about," said Coyle. "It gives us a platform to go and build on that.

"There are some big, big clubs in the Championship with far greater budgets than ourselves.

"But we really believe that if we play to our maximum, then we can win games and it gives us an opportunity to do that."

Coyle added: "The clean sheet was pleasing. When I think back lately, we've lost some really soft goals.

"I've said to the lads that sometimes you're going to concede goals, but let it be because people have worked hard to create opportunities, not gifting goals as we've done of late.

"It was pleasing to get the shut-out because I believe that if we can keep it tight at the back, we're always going to create chances and score goals."

Chris McCann and captain Steven Caldwell delivered the goals as the Clarets overcame the Sky Blues on Tuesday night.

And while a clean sheet proved another significant bonus, Coyle was also hugely satisfield with the performances of his side's more unsung heroes, notably striker Akinbiyi, who worked tirelessly in a lone-forward role, and 18-year-old Randall.

The Arsenal teenager is yet to make his full debut in a Clarets shirt, but he turned in another encouraging display after arriving as a second-half substitute.

"There were a lot of positives," said Coyle.

"Mark Randall gave us an extra dimension when he came on and showed what sort of player we all think he's going to be in the future with Arsenal.

He added: "I can't speak highly enough of Ade. I think he sums up the spirit and attitude within the whole club.

"He played as a lone striker and, physically, he was shattered at the end.

"His substitution was because I felt he had no more to give and, equally, I felt he deserved a round of applause for his effort and his performance.

"But it just summed up the spirit of the group."