Scott Parker spoke to the media following tonight's defeat to Newcastle United at Turf Moor.

The Clarets gaffer lamented his team's 'worst possible start', as two goals inside the opening six minutes gave the hosts a mountain to climb - but Parker spoke of his pride at how his team responded, insisting the character and spirit his charges showed will stand his side in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.

SLOW START

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

“The two goals were really sloppy - silly goals to concede.

“We just didn’t get started and it makes it really difficult to get a result in the Premier League when you’re two down so early on.”

SPIRITED SECOND HALF

“The mentality, desire and adversity we showed to going down 2-0 early on is what pleased me.

“I’m just so frustrated because there were so many positives to take despite the defeat.

“The second half was full of desire, commitment and quality - I couldn’t have asked much more of the lads.

“In adversity and hardship, we stood up. We didn’t hide. We didn’t disappear. We stood up to the challenge and took the game to a very good Newcastle side."

SHARPENING UP

“Of course there’s faults in our game - bits of quality in the final moments and the way we conceded both goals - and we have to sharpen up.

“I’m weak in my words because we’ve again lost a game despite so many positives.

“It goes down as a 3-1 loss on paper but it doesn’t fell like that was a fair reflection.

"The fight goes on. We’ll keep nailing down where we need to improve, and keep doing the good things we’re doing to keep going."