Coyle springs Gunners surprise

Burnley manager Owen Coyle saluted his side's team-work after they denied Arsenal a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup against the odds.

Two unanswered goals from Kevin McDonald condemned Arsene Wenger's side to defeat at Turf Moor and saw the Coca-Cola Championship side clinch a place in the last four of a major competition for the first time in 25 years.

Coyle said: "People will talk about individual players but it was a team effort. We are trying to make the place a fortress and this is a real football environment. We knew we would have to be focussed because of the quality Arsenal have."

This victory followed similar triumphs over Chelsea and Fulham but they were grateful to goalkeeper Brian Jensen as well as McDonald as he made a string of fine saves.

He added: "They had some good chances but Brian Jensen made some great saves. But I felt we deserved the victory on the balance of play. From start to finish the players did everything I asked of them.

"We try and play in the right manner by getting the ball down and passing it. Arsenal are the yardstick. But you must have that hunger if you are going to succeed and we have that in abundance."

Former Dundee star McDonald has suddenly rediscovered his scoring touch after getting his first goal of the campaign in the victory against Derby at the weekend.

Coyle added: "He is a goalscoring midfielder. He had opportunities prior to Saturday but he is more than that.

"He is 6ft 3ins, so elegant on the ball and he is getting stronger by the day. I believe he is capable soon of playing week-in, week-out in the Premier League.

"All the players can enjoy it (on Tuesday night) but they will be back in on Wednesday."