CHRIS Iwelumo can inspire Martin Paterson to his best ever goals return.

That’s the verdict of Burnley chief executive Paul Fletcher.

The former Scunthorpe predator top scored with 19 goals in his first season at Turf Moor as the Clarets clinched promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

A serious knee injury curtailed Paterson’s progress in his debut top flight season, but returned in time to contribute four goals.

However, after committing to a new deal that will run until 2013, former Burnley striker Fletcher has backed the 23-year-old to make up for the loss of record signing Steven Fletcher to Wolves and thrive alongside new signing Iwelumo to have a big impact as the Clarets plot their Premier League return.

“I can see Martin bettering his goalscoring tally and getting at least 20 goals next season if he plays alongside Chris Iwelumo,” said Fletcher.

“With Steven Fletcher, David Nugent and Martin Paterson last season, all three of them needed a big striker alongside them, someone who can create some trouble in the box for them to pick up the scraps and get a goal.

“Often we played against sides who were far superior to us in the air. I don’t think we were offering enough in that department.

“But I saw Iwelumo with Colchester and I’ve watched him to progress to a big handful; a striker who wins headers, not just in terms of getting goals but also creating some confusion in the box for the likes of Paterson.”