Brian Laws believes his side has the advantage of playing without fear as they look to secure their top-flight future.

The Clarets have been underdogs since day one of their inaugural Premier League season.

And Laws feels the price of failure will weigh more heavily on their rivals near the foot of the table as Burnley battle to get clear of the relegation places.

"We have to play with no pressure on us," said the Clarets boss.

"What I would call the established teams, who have been in the Premier League a while, they are panicking. They are worried. They are nervous and they are under pressure.

"Are we in that same boat? I don't think so. We have got to be relaxed about it and enjoy the games and enjoy the moment.

"The established teams know that if they go out of this premier league financially they are going to be in trouble and have serious financial issues to sort out.

"We won't, therefore we're not panicking about that and feeling that kind of pressure."

Laws says fans' backing is crucial

The Clarets return to Turf Moor on Saturday to take on bottom club Portsmouth, who are facing a nine-point deduction if, as expected, they go into administration to stave off a winding up order in the High Court.

Burnley know a win will guarantee them a place outside the drop-zone and Laws insists that the backing of the home fans is another factor in their favour.

He added: "We have got the fans right behind us. There's many a club down there who haven't got the fans behind them.

"We are the ones that have because we are enjoying it and that's why there's no pressure on us. We can go and enjoy it and let the other teams panic.

"Maybe that will help us because if you are composed and not showing your nerve you have a great chance of winning games and that's where we can do a bit of catching up."