Martin Paterson suffered an injury disrupted 2010/11 campaign, following similar problems encountered in the 2009/10 campaign in the Premier League.

The previous year, a knee injury sustained in a Carling Cup tie at Barnsley in September 2009 led to surgery and four months on the sidelines.

But the fans' favourite proved on his return that he still retains an eye for goal - and at the end of it was rewarded with a new contract running until 2013.

The Northern Ireland international scored his first top-flight goal in the Clarets' 5-2 defeat against Aston Villa in February 2009 and finished the season with four goals in 13 appearances, as well as several assists from a right-sided attacking role.

Having signed in a £1 million-plus deal from Championship side Scunthorpe United on a four-year contract in June, 2008, Paterson enjoyed a dream first season with Burnley.

The striker played a crucial role in the Clarets' 2008/09 promotion-winning campaign, making 53 appearances and scoring a highly impressive 20 goals.

Paterson saved his best goal until last down as a stunning long-range strike at Reading in the play-off semi-finals helped Burnley to Wembley and promotion.

The Northern Ireland international began his career at Stoke City, making a handful of appearances before furthering his career on loan at Grimsby during the 2006/07 season.

Four goals in his first three outings underlined his potential and in the summer of 2007 Paterson was signed by Scunthorpe, going on to score 14 times in his only season at Glanford Park.