THE slip was of the classic Freudian variety, and it spoke volumes about how most of the nation probably still perceive Burnley.

“Robbie Blake of course will be playing in the Premier League with Derby, er... Burnley, this season,” said Sky Sports presenter George Gavin, introducing the Clarets wide man as a pundit during Monday’s coverage of Darlington versus Leeds.

Many are already comparing the remarkable promotion of Burnley to that of Derby, and fearing that they may similarly find the top flight a challenge too steep.

The Rams comically collected just 11 points on their way back down two seasons ago, and it has already been revealed that the Clarets are working with a budget half the size.

But who thought Stoke would do well last year? Who thought Hull could take 20 points from their first nine games? Hull’s all-singing, all-tanning manager Phil Brown can testify with good evidence that the first few games are crucial for any side changing divisions.

The fixture list, at least on initial inspection, appeared nothing short of a disaster for the Clarets.

Any chance of riding the wave of their promotion with early victories was severely hit by a first five games containing Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool. Burnley have beaten big teams before, but one suspects they will find it harder to do so in the league.

So it appears to be a simple equation: get a result at Stoke, which in itself would restore the confidence lost during a concerning pre-season, or face playing serious catch-up in their fight for survival.

Despite the Derby comparisons, it is a fight that most in football hope they win.

What ambition it could spread throughout the lower leagues if a club without the finances and the core fanbase to match most in the top two divisions can hold their own in the Premier League?

What Owen Coyle has done already has been commendable, and leading Burnley on the road to safety would probably be his biggest achievement yet.

It is a journey that needs to start at Stoke on Saturday.