WHEN we get chances in front of goal we must take them. Our failure to do so is the reason why we are staring relegation in the face with five games to go.

Okay, we are not getting referees decisions in our favour, with Mike Jones the culprit on Saturday at Goodison Park when he allowed Kevin Mirallas to stay on after a terrible foul on George Boyd.

The Clarets were also denied two blatant penalties, which I am sure would have helped us to come away with three points.

In the end, Ashley Barnes made it harder for the team by getting sent off in the first half for two silly challenges.

It was foolish, but it is hardly surprising considering he has given away more fouls than any other Premier League player this season with 66. You would think he would learn his lesson by now and just settle down.

But it is missed chances that are costing us more than anything.

Near the end Danny Ings missed another chance, which would have given us a very welcome point.

Burnley’s inability to score is an obvious problem. It’s six-and-a-half hours without a goal now. Ings and Sam Vokes have disappointed me this time around after their partnership took us into the Premier League.

I know Vokes has been out injured for a long time, but there has not been a goal between them - or for anyone else - since his return to the starting line-up. We need them to start scoring now in the remaining games.

Ings missed with a header at Everton when he should have taken the chance. Chances in the Premier League, especially for a team like Burnley, are precious.

The manager has to make at least one change in Barnes’ absence. I would give Michael Kightly another run in the team.

Sean Dyche has done, and is doing, a cracking job. He has got the squad playing for him, but our lack of success in the transfer market is being exposed.

Unfortunately, that is out of the manager’s control and he will look to work with what he’s got.

With time running out, we need a bit of miracle now that we are bottom.

But now is not the time to be negative. We have to believe we can avoid relegation.

I know the lads are giving it their all and cannot be faulted for a lack of effort, even though we are in a dangerous position.

On paper, the run-in looks favourable compared to other teams around us, and I know the fans can rally and help carry us to safety.

Finally, just a note on James Anderson, a lad from Burnley who has become England’s best ever bowler. It is a fantastic achievement and the people of Burnley are very proud of their local hero.