Thompson paves way for Paterson

BURNLEY manager Owen Coyle believes striker Martin Paterson is edging closer to becoming a regular starter for Northern Ireland, and has benefited from playing alongside former Scotland man Steven Thompson.

Paterson, 21, has scored seven goals in 13 games this term,

and Coyle noted: "

I think Stevie Thompson has helped Martin enormously and taken a lot of weight off him in the front area."