WHEN Burnley start their season on Saturday, many will look to new boy Chris Iwelumo to find the goals to replace the departed Steven Fletcher.

But their biggest hopes still lie with getting the best out of Martin Paterson, who has yet to really receive the recognition he deserves.

In the Clarets’ promotion campaign two seasons ago, he top scored with 19 goals. Many of them, not least his play-off semi-final stunner at Reading, were crucial.

Yet, even in that season, Paterson had spells out of the side.

Tiredness, in an epic campaign, was said to be a factor.

But Burnley missed Paterson when he did not play. They missed him even more greatly last season, when his chance to shine on the big stage was limited by a long-term knee injury.

When the 23-year-old returned, he had many bright moments, scoring four goals and setting up several others.

He did so often from a wide position, which he admirably made his own.

But his biggest threat will always be as a striker.

An energetic worker, he will be one of the most dangerous forwards in the Championship this season.

Still opinion is divided on Paterson, though. For Northern Ireland, many point to squandered opportunities in qualifiers against Poland and Slovakia.

But the former Scunthorpe man’s pace and movement mean the chances come his way often. That’s no accident and that is why he scores goals.

Like his team-mate Chris McCann, had Paterson been fit for all of last season, he may still be playing in the Premier League now – either with Burnley or with someone else.

Instead, Fletcher impressed as the Clarets’ great striking hope and earned his move to Wolves.

Iwelumo will replace him, and the 32-year-old’s Championship record suggests he could be a useful addition.

Burnley could have fewer tougher opening games than against Nottingham Forest at home.

Only Middlesbrough are given a greater chance of promotion than those two by the bookmakers.

The Clarets will get success by taking on games with energy and drive, the quality which faded last season but was so prominent during their promotion campaign.

That is why Paterson remains their biggest asset of all.