OWEN Coyle hailed a solid defensive performance after Burnley achieved their best points total in six years with a win at relegation-threatened Southampton.

The Clarets boss, who has earned 40 of the 61 points to date since taking charge in mid-November, was delighted with a first clean sheet in six games, allied to captain Steven Caldwell's first half winner.

And he is urging his players to use the remaining fixtures as a platform for next season.

"To surpass the best points total for the last six years is obviously pleasing, and it's a foundation, I think, to go and build on," said Coyle.

"All we're focusing on now is going and winning two big games, Cardiff at home and Crystal Palace away, to get that feelgood factor and take us on into the close season, ready to come back and get to work.

"They'll be tough games, of course, but the lads have worked ever so hard and I just want them to show that same desire and application, because we've got undoubted quality, and if we show that it will serve us well in the last two games.

"Injuries and suspensions have hit us hard (this season) because we don't have a big squad in terms of numbers.

"Clarke Carlisle has missed the last three games but got a half in the reserves in midweek, and with Steven Caldwell alongside of him, I thought they were immense. I thought they were a rock.

"And all credit to Brian Jensen because when he had a couple of big saves to make, he made them."