FIVE-TIME Premier League title winner Andrew Cole has urged Burnley to play to their strengths to secure their top flight survival.

A 100 per cent home record so far belies the Clarets barren away run, in which 14 goals have been conceded to Stoke, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs.

But as Owen Coyle’s men aim for a fourth straight win at Turf Moor against promotion counterparts Birmingham City on Saturday, Cole has told his former team-mates to make use of every advantage on home soil.

And he believes that, in Coyle, they have the perfect motivator to inspire their bid to stay up.

“He gives you loads of confidence,” said the 37-year-old former Manchester United striker, who had loan spells with both Birmingham and Burnley towards the end of a career that spanned almost two decades.

“He makes you think you’re possibly the best striker in the world; like Burnley are Manchester United and that you can beat anyone. He has that kind of aura.

“Even if you don’t play well you still come off the pitch believing you have.”

And Cole, who struck an instant rapport with the fans, despite spending two-and-a-half years at bitter rivals Blackburn Rovers, knows the key role the Clarets’ faithful can have in the survival stakes.

“It’s a brilliant crowd,” said the former England striker.

“Home form is big for them. They’re always going to be difficult to beat at home.

“Away from home it’s very difficult for them. It depends on how they set up.”

Cole had the chance to make a loan move from Sunderland permanent in the summer of 2008 but instead opted to sign for hometown and boyhood club Nottingham Forest.

It turned out to be an ill-fated spell with the Championship side, and the former Newcastle United front man admitted: “If it had worked out I would have wanted to play my last year at Burnley.

“I really enjoyed my time there.

“They’re a great set of lads and really enjoy their football.

“It’s the other side of football, without all the trimmings.

“The facilities aren’t fantastic but everyone mucks in and enjoys it.”