Parker ready for December challenge

Scott Parker's side will go top of the Championship with a win over Boro on Friday

Burnley boss Scott Parker says his team are ready for the challenge of December's traditionally hectic schedule which should help define the rest of the season.

Parker's title challengers are gunning for their fifth win on the spin and will go top of the Championship if they can beat Middlesbrough at Turf Moor on Friday [20:00 GMT].

The Clarets face the Teessiders twice, along with Derby, Norwich, Watford and title rivals Sheffield United in their six games before the end of the year.

"This period is a very busy one for every team," Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"There's some tough games ahead of us but we're in a good place at the moment and we're looking forward to it.

"The games come so thick and fast and when you come out of Christmas into New Year, you get a clearer idea of where things are and where you sit."

Parker says he's looking forward to taking on his old England team-mate Michael Carrick tonight, and says his squad is in excellent shape ahead of the game.

"There's been some real improvement in the areas we needed," Parker said of his side that's won 10 times this season so far.

"I still don't think we're anywhere near where we need to be but over the last few weeks there's been a real drive to produce more and we've had some excellent results."