BRIAN Flynn believes Burnley’s current crop can still succeed where the class of 1975/76 failed.

The ex-Clarets midfielder was part of the last team to play in the top flight before Wade Elliott ended a 33-year exile via Wembley last May.

Outsiders are anticipating an immediate return to the Championship.

But Welshman Flynn believes last week’s win over relegation rivals Hull City proved Burnley have got what it takes to copy Fulham’s run from two seasons ago and defy the odds to finish with a flourish.

“It’s never too late when you’re battling against relegation, and Burnley are capable of doing it,” said the 54-year-old, who is desperate for Burnley to avoid the fate he suffered in his penultimate season at Turf Moor.

“Relegation was devastating. It stayed with you all the summer.

“It’s a new challenge at the top level. Every game is a big game, and more often than not you were playing at sold-out grounds.

“Thinking that you weren’t going to be going back there again was hard. I wouldn’t wish that on these boys.”

In any case, Flynn is optimistic of survival, particularly after securing their first Premier League away win at Hull City.

“Things just don’t happen at the elite level, you’ve got to make things happen and that’s what Burnley did last week,” said the Wales under 21s manager.

“They got two penalties, which some people might see as lucky, but Darren Bent got three for Sunderland against Spurs, and missed two of them.

“There was no luck in Burnley getting those penalties. It showed me they made things happen and were determined. Sometimes when you are the underdogs it can go in your favour.

“In many ways they were last Saturday, with Hull being at home and Burnley not winning away all season before then. Sometimes that David and Goliath attitude is a good one to have.”

And Flynn believes the desire of players like non-league graduate Elliott, 38-year-old Graham Alexander and Robbie Blake – experiencing his third shot at the Premier League – could be crucial.

Wins over Liverpool and Spurs, who have still to come to Turf Moor, could be similarly important.

“To have all to play for against Spurs on the last day, I’m sure Brian Laws would take a scenario that required a win to stay up,” he said.

“They have beaten both Liverpool and Tottenham in recent years. The Carling Cup semi-final second leg win against Spurs was particularly impressive, because even though they lost out on aggregate overall, no-one had given them a chance. They need that kind of mentality again.

“Fulham proved a couple of seasons ago that it’s not over until it’s over. They won four out of their last five games and I don’t see why Burnley can’t match that massive effort.

“Collectively, the players have done fantastically well to achieve Premier League status. In some people’s eyes they have over achieved but I don’t see that.

“Burnley have been champions of England. I see them as comfortable in their surroundings and I hope that they stay there.”