BURNLEY striker Martin Paterson is facing a further three months out, at least, after suffering his third thigh injury in nine months.

Scans last night revealed the 24-year-old had suffered a ‘grade 2’ muscle tear – similar to the problem that kept him out for two lengthy spells last season.

Manager Eddie Howe hoped for the best after Paterson came off at half-time of Saturday’s 2-2 opening day draw at home to Watford. But, after already being in the market for a striker this summer, he could now be preparing to adjust his transfer targets before the window closes at the end of the month.

Asked before the scan results were known if the situation had affected where he was looking in the transfer market, the Burnley boss said: “Depending on what happens and what comes back from the scan, possibly.

“We were looking for a striker anyway so it now may mean that we need two because we'd like an array of options really, especially in that position.

“Goals will decide games, so to have just two is cutting it fine.”

Of Paterson’s early exit against the Hornets, he said: “It's the same leg.

"He just didn't feel 100 per cent and he didn't feel he would have been doing the team justice to stay on when he didn't feel quite right. So fair play to Pato for making that decision.

“We hope to get him back as quickly as we can because a fit Martin Paterson is as good as anything in the league, and that's what we'd love to see.”

Such was Burnley’s desire to get Paterson fit and firing they have rejected a number of bids from Portsmouth this summer, which topped £2.5million.