Paterson has scored 44 goals during his career

Burnley striker Martin Paterson has become the latest player to commit his future to the club by signing a new three-year contract at Turf Moor.

The Northern Ireland international, who joined the Clarets in June 2008, had a further two years remaining on his current deal.

"I have a lot to thank the club for because they have looked after me," said Paterson.

"I am really confident about the future of the club."

The 23-year-old has made over 80 appearances since joining the recently relegated Championship club from Scunthorpe, scoring 23 goals, including three in his first two games.

And despite the disappointment of seeing his side drop from the Premier League after just one season, Paterson is sure he has made the right choice.

I think sometimes loyalty is a dying thing in football Burnley striker Martin Paterson

"I believe that next year, if we are at it and concentrate, it's going to go really well," he said.

"I think sometimes loyalty is a dying thing in football, but the club has shown that me and I will continue to return it as long as they look after me.

"I wanted to be a part of that, so I made it clear to the manager at the end of the season that I wanted to stay here at Burnley."

Manager Brian Laws is delighted to reward the Tunstall-born player with a new offer which ties him to the Lancashire club until 2013.

"It's absolutely marvellous to see the likes of Martin signing a new, improved contract," he said.

"We feel he is a major player and the fact he is extending his contract now shows he has ambition to help this club back into the Premier League.

"It is a reward for the season he had. Even though he was injured for a good part, Martin certainly made an impact and we want him to be here and nowhere else."

Paterson follows Clarke Carlisle, Graham Alexander, Michael Duff, Steven Thompson and Brian Jensen who have all signed new deals.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version