West Brom boss Sam Allardyce insists his side need eight or nine clean sheets to avoid relegation and demands his side to be more clinical if they're to complete the great escape

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Sam Allardyce celebrated his first clean sheet as West Brom manager but needs eight more for the great escape.

Albion were the better team in their goalless draw at Burnley despite playing the last hour with 10 men after Mike Dean dismissed Semi Ajayi for handball.

The Baggies are 11 points from safety with 13 games left but Allardyce, who has never been relegated, isn’t giving up hope.

Sam Allardyce says his side need eight or nine clean sheets to avoid relegation this season

West Brom drew 0-0 with Burnley but had the better chances to win the match

‘I am definitely optimistic we will go forward and get more positive than negative results,’ he said.

‘We have got to be more clinical in front of goal and keep the defensive side nice and tight.

‘I think if we get eight or nine clean sheets we will be fine.

Matheus Pereira missed a good chance to score while Mbiaye Diagne hit the crossbar

‘We got our first one today and that is the backbone for any side who wants to get out of trouble.

‘We also had two golden chances from six yards. You can do excuse one but can’t afford to miss two.

‘The team is looking stronger with the four signings we made in January. It was one of the best 10-men performances I’ve seen.’

Mbiaye Diagne hit the bar and Matheus Pereira miskicked in front of goal as Burnley struggled despite having the extra man.

The Baggies' boss admitted his players need to be more clinical in front of goal 

It was The Clarets 13th game in 42 days and manager Sean Dyche said: ‘It was the first time I’ve seen us mentally fatigued. The focus wasn’t there and we have simple passes away so many times.’

They had a loud penalty shout when the ball hit Albion defender Kyle Bartley on the arm early in the second half.

‘I presume it must have glanced off his thigh first for it not to be given,’ added the Burnley boss who was depleted by injuries.

He had no senior striker on the bench forcing him to keep Jay Rodriguez on the pitch for 81 minutes despite him struggling with a calf issue.