Martin Paterson insists the mantle of promotion favourites isn't a burden as the Clarets prepare to face potential top-six rivals Leicester City on Saturday.

Burnley have been ranked by pundits and bookies alike as among the leading fancies to succeed in the Championship this season.

And Paterson believes meeting that expectation is a challenge Brian Laws' men can rise to.

"If there wasn't pressure to bounce back immediately I think there would be something wrong," he said.

"I think some people try to hide from expectation and pressure but I certainly don't and I don't think this group of lads does.

"I think we know where we should be at the end of the year and it's up to us to get there if the fans keep supporting us as they do.

"They have been terrific for the last two or three years I have been here so if they keep supporting us I think it's a good mixture for success."

Paterson: Doing what he does best

Paterson knows, however, that the Clarets have to justify their billing by producing the goods over a marathon 46-game season.

Leicester just missed out on back-to-back promotions last season when they were beaten in the Championship play-offs.

And Paterson believes Saturday's clash with the Foxes at Turf Moor will be typical of the tests the Clarets will have to overcome to achieve their goal.

The striker added: "I think the Championship is really strong. I know I have only been involved in it for four or five years but I think it's the strongest I have ever seen.

"You can hardly look at a team and think 'we might just be able to beat them easily.' You can't do that in the Championship.

"It's up to us to perform. You can have a strong squad but not get the results. I would prefer for people to look and see Burnley keep winning, rather than just that we have a strong squad."

The striker wants another crack at the top flight

Paterson has helped the Clarets to an unbeaten start from their opening two games and the Northern Ireland international has more incentive than most to try and earn a second bite at the Premier League cherry after his taste of the top flight was soured by a serious knee injury.

"I missed four months with my knee," said the 23, who top scored as Burnley were promoted two years ago.

"It's hard to describe what it's like to work so hard to get somewhere and then it to be taken from you four or five games but it's made me better player and a stronger person and more hungry to get back there."