Burnley defender Leon Cort has backed the Clarets to climb back into the Premier League.
Burnley defender targets immediate return
Burnley defender Leon Cort has backed the Clarets to climb back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The Turf Moor outfit saw their top flight adventure come to an end on Sunday as a 4-0 home defeat by Liverpool sealed their immediate return to the Championship.
The Clarets were firm pre-season favourites for the drop, but a bright start under former manager Owen Coyle suggested they could upset the odds.
However, a downturn in fortunes, coupled with Coyle's departure for Bolton, saw Burnley limp along under new boss Brian Laws with demotion confirmed at the weekend with two games remaining.
Despite the inevitable misery brought on by relegation, Cort feels that keeping their squad together will stand them in good stead for next season.
"The lads are down but the manager gave us a good talk afterwards and we are ready to bounce back," said Cort, who joined the club from Stoke in January.
Nucleus
"We have to look at building. We've got a lot of strength in depth and if we can keep the great set of boys here then we've got a great chance.
"I've only been here half a year and what I've seen has been brilliant because the lads really stick together and I'm hoping that nucleus stays.
"It will be tough because the Championship is a very hard league to get out of.
"Playing Saturday-Tuesday results go for or against you all the time and it is tough physical, demanding league.
"But we have to be up to the challenge because the club and the fans deserve that and the lads will be working hard.
"We've had a taste of the Premier League and we want to get that back. The lads are down but I'm positive."
