Boss Brian Laws is urging the Clarets' fans to stay united behind the cause as Burnley look to take a major step towards safety at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

The Clarets will be out to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth in their last home game when they take on Stoke City.

And Laws wants the fans to crank up the volume and shed the anxiety that seemed to accompany the set-back against Pompey.

"The build-up of that game was huge in that it was almost like a must-win game and the fact that we didn't win it seemed to destroy a lot of people's hopes and beliefs. And it shouldn't go that way," said Laws.

"There are 30 points to play for. It's not six points, or three points left, and everybody is finding it difficult in and around the bottom end.

"We have had some real strong belief this year. Our ambition is to stay in the Premier League and I think it did dent a few along the way at the Portsmouth game.

"We know that we made two horrendous mistakes which handed over the three points.

"I would appeal to the supporters to keep believing because the players need that support. You have been tremendous with them this year and don't let one defeat dent your ambitions and your beliefs, because that will spread onto the pitch."

The Clarets have won just once in their last 17 games but remain only one point behind Wolves - next Saturday's opponents - who currently occupy the last 'safe' spot in the table.

Boss Brian Laws insists the fans have a big part to play

And Laws believes the supporters can make a massive difference in helping his players strive for the victory that would launch a vital run of four home games from the next five fixtures in perfect style.

"Against Stoke you will be such a valuable asset to us if you still maintain that drive and belief that you have done," Laws told Clarets Player.

"Any defeat is a disappointing one but I think the way we react will be vital for the rest of the season.

"We are not relying on anyone else's results. If we get the right result against Stoke we move out of the bottom three - fact. So we know the importance of the win."

For a full exclusive pre-match interview with Laws on Clarets Player click HERE for details of a free trial offer.

And to make sure you are there to support the lads against Stoke, get your ticket from the Turf Moor ticket office.