THE games are running out, yet Burnley still are not letting thoughts of a life in the Premier League run away with them.

Not even when posed with the prospect of climbing to the Championship summit by the end of Saturday's early kick-off will they allow themselves to wonder, for risk of their minds being taken off the ball.

“We don’t talk about the Premier League here, it’s every game as it comes and we’ll see what happens,” said Junior Stanislas, who marked his return to the line-up with a goal in his second start since December.

The mantra laid down by manager Sean Dyche is well rehearsed. But it is not lip service. The Clarets truly believe this is the way forward.

And why wouldn't they? It has been a key weapon for them all season, as only three league defeats in 38 games will testify, not to mention over six months in the top three, with the last seven weeks spent in the automatic positions.

Former West Ham winger Stanislas wouldn’t be entirely honest if he said a return to the top flight was something that hadn’t entered his thoughts. But it does not consume them.

“I suppose in the back of your mind it’s there but you can only take one game at a time.

“As long as all the lads keep working hard, which we will do, every game we’ll try to get the three points and move a little bit closer,” he said.

“It’s a big one on Saturday but they’re all big ones.

“Leicester’s a big club and they’ve done well this season so it will be good to test ourselves.”

Has that game taken on even greater significance now that only three points separates Burnley from first place?

Stanislas hardly hesitates over his answer.

“We take it one game at a time and see what happens,” he said.

But he acknowedged the additional incentive was there.

“Of course. But we’re a motivated group anyway, especially with the manager we have. He’s definitely not going to let you take your foot off the gas so I’m sure with Leicester coming to town at the weekend, we’ll be up for it and ready for it,” said Stanislas, who is relishing a return to the side.

“Every opportunity and every chance you get you want to try to take it, whether it’s stating or coming off the bench.

“I think the squad has been fantastic this year and just to get back in the team is obviously a bonus for myself.”