Coyle: Paterson close to starting berth

BURNLEY manager Owen Coyle believes striker Martin Paterson is edging closer to becoming a regular starter for Northern Ireland.

Thu, 09 Oct, 2008 - 01:00

Paterson, 21, has settled in quickly at Turf Moor after arriving from Scunthorpe in the summer, scoring seven goals in 13 games.

That good form could see him win back his place in the international side when they face Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier in Maribor on Saturday and San Marino at home next Wednesday.

Paterson started on the bench in the draw against the Czech Republic after being in the team when they lost the opening match to Slovakia.

Coyle said: “Prior to this season Martin had been in the Northern Ireland squad but was never really classed as a first pick.

“But I think he has shown of late in the qualifiers that he is in there pitching to start games. That augurs well for him and this club.

“What we hope when our players go away on international breaks is that they do their countries proud, but equally come back injury-free.”

Coyle has been pleased with the way Paterson has applied himself in the opening part of the season, in particular they we he took his goal in the victory against Watford last week.

“It was a clinical finish, there was a bit of class about it and long may that continue,” he said. Apart from the goals, his work ethic is incredible for such a young man. He’s hungry, even on the training ground, and desperate to improve and do well.

“Goalscorers are prized assets and they are the ones that people look to and try and get on board. We brought him on here, not with the aim of losing him quickly, but to try and improve our club.”

Coyle believes that Paterson is also benefiting from playing alongside the experienced Steven Thompson.

Thompson, with 16 Scotland caps to his name, arrived from fellow Championship side Cardiff on transfer deadline day.

Coyle added: “I think Stevie Thompson has helped Martin enormously and taken a lot of weight off him in the front area. He’s a buffer for Martin and I think we can now see the amount of opportunities that he is getting in the process.”