Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle admits his side must become more consistent if they are to reach the play-offs next season.The Clarets have fallen short of a top-six finish this term after showing varying signs of promise during different stages in the campaign.

Alan Irvine's men now look set to finish in the top half of the table but centre-back Carlisle believes his side must show a significant improvement if they are to launch a serious promotion challenge next term.

He said: "It's very disappointing that we haven't made the play-offs, especially because for the majority of the season we were either there or thereabouts.

"I don't think there was ever a time when we actually stepped into that top six and held a position, which may have been the difference.

"I think our problem this season has been consistency. We have to make sure that next season we're mentally strong enough and physically consistent enough so we don't have that problem."

More Football News from TEAMtalk