How the Clarets' players rated in the narrow defeat to Aston Villa.

JENSEN: Again had little to occupy him other than routine stuff. 7

DUFF: Enjoyed his best game for weeks getting forward in support. 7

LOWE: Cool as a cucumber against top class strikers. 8

SINCLAIR: Led by captain's example with a top notch display. 8

HARLEY: Kept busy by Villa livewire James Milner. 7

ELLIOTT: Grew into the game the more it wore on. 7

SPICER: Might have done better with a good first half chance. 7

McCANN: If you're good enough, you're old enough. 7

J O'CONNOR: Slotted into the midfield holding role superbly. 8

G O'CONNOR: Always trying to make things happen. 7

AKINBIYI: One of those nights when nothing went right. 6

SUBS: NOEL-WILLIAMS (for Spicer 74), KARBASSIYOON (for Elliott 79), COURTNEY (for McCann 90).

Not used: PUGH, CROSSLEY