Burnley have won just once in 14 games under Laws

Burnley manager Brian Laws has denied having a bust-up with veteran striker Robbie Blake.

Newspaper reports suggested 34-year-old Blake was upset at being substituted at half-time during last Saturday's 6-1 defeat by Manchester City.

"If there are people putting rumours round like that there's nothing I can do," Laws told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"There's been no bust-up whatsoever. Robbie and I get on really well so end of story."

Midfielder Kevin McDonald was fined following the defeat for leaving Turf Moor at half-time after being substituted.

The 21-year-old apologised for his actions, telling Burnley's website: "I now realise it was naive, disrespectful and totally wrong of me to leave.

I've worked with managers who I've hated but I still went out and worked my socks off and gave an honest display Brian Laws

"It was a gross misjudgement and instead I should have stayed to support my club and team-mates."

Laws believes McDonald has been punished enough and has included him in the squad for Saturday's crucial relegation battle with Hull City.

"He's made a big error and it's cost him dearly," he said. "But we won't drag it out and punish him further and further.

"He's held his hand up and apologised. It's a judgement call and it was the wrong one."

606: DEBATE We all admit that he has a tough job ahead. Coyle could see the problems and decided to leg it to Bolton. Would be nice to see us support BL kilbyisburnley

The Clarets are four points from safety in the Premier League, but with just five games remaining the manager expects his players to give everything.

"They're not playing for a particular person, they're playing for their own pride," said Laws.

"I've worked with managers who I've hated but I still went out and worked my socks off and gave an honest display. That's what I expect in return from the players - it doesn't matter who's in charge."

There will be full commentary from the KC Stadium on BBC Radio Lancashire from 1500 BST on Saturday.

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