Scott Parker says prospect of Burnley relegation has weighed heavily for months

Burnley could see their relegation from the Premier League confirmed after Wednesday night’s clash against title-chasing Manchester City, but manager Scott Parker admits the prospect has been weighing heavily for months.

All eyes will turn to Turf Moor for a game that could see City replace Arsenal at the top of the table, but the stakes are just as high for the Clarets.

Defeat against Pep Guardiola’s powerhouses would guarantee a return to the Championship, a year on from their 100-point promotion in Parker’s first season.

But with just two points from their last eight matches, they have had time to come to terms with the gravity of their predicament.

“That burden has been on our shoulders for some time. This situation, what it can be, is one the players have been facing,” he said.

“That’s been a challenge for us over the last few months to be honest with you because we’ve not managed to pick up results. The reality may be that (it comes) tomorrow night and that’s the way it is, that’s where we are in the season.”

Burnley’s campaign lurched further into bitterness on Sunday when they lost 4-1 to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, falling to pieces after leading on the hour mark.

Their visiting fans reacted angrily to the capitulation but Parker had little complaint with their reaction.

“I’m pretty honest…at the weekend I totally understand and totally deserve the boos,” he said.

“The confusion our fans must have had was the confusion I had as well. For 60 minutes of the game you’re looking thinking ‘this is perfect. We’ve written a script and we’re acting it out’. In the space of 30 minutes you’re losing 4-1.

“In football now it’s become very common: if another team scores the instant reaction is to boo; if you’re 1-0