Burnley striker Martin Paterson is close to a return from injury, according to manager Eddie Howe.

The 24-year-old suffered a recurrence of a thigh problem on the opening day of the season against Watford. The same injury kept Paterson out for most of last season.

"He's coming along nicely. The acid test for Pato now is going to be trying to get him up to 100% sprinting," Howe told the club's official website.

"With any muscle injury that's going to be the last bit that takes the most time. The frustrating thing for Pato is that last time he did all the pre-season and felt good.

"It was just that first game against Watford that he felt a slight twinge, so we'll have to re-build him up, look after him and hopefully this time he will stay fit."

The Clarets next host Reading at Turf Moor in the Championship after the international break.