Howe hails Clarets progress

Eddie Howe hopes his side can match their performance against Cheltenham when they play their final pre-season friendly at Rochdale.

The Clarets continued their preparations for the npower Championship campaign, which kicks off in under a fortnight's time, with a 4-0 victory over Cheltenham on Saturday. Following the game at Whaddon Road, Howe told the media: "I thought that was our best performance yet. We have asked the players to get better with every game and make sure our intensity levels are right. "I thought our attitude to the game was excellent. Our attacking play was really good and we could have scored a good few more but for their keeper making some very good saves. Let's hope we can carry that on to the next game. "It's all about performances in pre-season but if you are looking as solid as we are, creating in midfield and potent up front, that's a good combination. We looked all three in a good test and Charlie (Austin) looks particularly bright, not only in terms of goalscoring but tracking back and defending. "We know if we can get good balls into the box, nine times out of 10 he's on the end of them. But it's not just about him and I am pleased with all of the units in the team at the moment."