BURNLEY boss Owen Coyle has been boosted by the return of Clarke Carlisle to shore up his leaky defence.

Derek Davis

BURNLEY boss Owen Coyle has been boosted by the return of Clarke Carlisle to shore up his leaky defence.

While the Clarets boss is happy with his four man forward line, he was concerned with his rearguard after conceding four at Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day.

Coyle said: “For me, it's a terrific boost to have Clarke back. I think when he's focussed and at it, then I really believe he's as good a centre back as you'll get in the Championship.

"That's up to Clarke to show that on a consistent basis, but he brings a tremendous presence, leadership qualities, always talking and organising, and he's going to be an important player for us, there's no doubt about it.

"I think he's got the full package, and he knows, because I've sat down with him and had extensive chats with him, such is the relationship we have, and I really believe he's capable of being a top, top Championship player.

"But Clarke has to bring that to his game when he crosses that white line."

Striker Martin Paterson will look to continue his impressive start to the season, which has reaped three goals in the first two games, but Coyle feels he offers so much more than putting the ball in the net: "The goals are nice, but his work ethic, and everything else he brings to the game, is so important.

"If he continues, and we believe he can, that will serve the club well.

"We want to make sure we have a goal threat from all areas of the park though, and it's up to other players to accept that responsibility, as Pato has done, and make sure they're among the goals.

"Chris (Eagles) was unfortunate at Bury, and the keeper made a very good save that allowed Pato to score.

"But they are all popping up and trying to get shots away, and that augurs well."

Like town, the Clarets will look to bounce back after losing the opening league game and Coyle said: “We're just looking to go and try and beat a very good Ipswich side, who, by all accounts, were very unlucky to lose against Preston.

"It will be a difficult game, but we've had two tough away games and it's great to be back at home.

"The fans have been brilliant, and we want to make sure we give them something to sing about against Ipswich.

"On the back of how disappointing last Saturday was, it will be special to get out in front of our own fans and go and show the level of play we're capable of.

"We have to bring our best game with us, and I'm sure it will be a good footballing game."

After keeping a clean sheet at Bury, keeper Brian Jensen, nicknamed 'Beast' is looking to keep his place ahead of Diego Penny who let in the four at Wednesday.