IF Robbie Blake’s lucky pants have a knock-on effect with the rest of the squad, Martin Paterson predicts a mammoth scoreline against Norwich City tomorrow.

Blake boasts a return of two goals in three games since wearing the custom-made ‘Bad Beat Bob’ undies, bought by Clarke Carlisle in honour of the striker’s poker misfortune.

But defender Carlisle has gone to great lengths to make sure the rest of his team-mates don’t miss out.

“We’ve all got a pair now, with our individual nicknames on,” said Paterson. “So if they’re that lucky, it’s going to be 33-0 against Norwich!”

On a serious note, though, Paterson would settle for the one – particularly if it was his name on the scoresheet.

The 21-year-old thought his minor drought had ended at Charlton Athletic last weekend, only to have his excellent finish controversially ruled out for a late offside decision.

“I haven’t scored for five games now, and I get agitated and angry because I want to score goals. If I don’t, I’m not a happy man!” he said.

“There’s a bit of pride involved, that’s my job, I’m a goalscorer, and when I’m not doing it, I’m not happy.

“I’d like to score more, I would like a better ratio, but that’s just me, I’m a bit greedy.

“I’m working hard, I’ve had some good games and some not-so-good games, but we’re all working hard to do well, and I’m sure it will come off for me.”

And Paterson admits he is benefiting from playing alongside targetman Steven Thompson.

“The partnership is working well at the moment, although we would both like to score more, but anyone would,” the former Scunthorpe striker said.

“Since he’s come, results are going our way, and we are more dogged. He’s getting hold of the ball, flicking it on, and he’s given us that outlet.

“He gives me time to make my runs, and if Robbie or Jay (Rodriguez) is up there with him, he’s brilliant for them.

“Jay will score goals against anyone as well – what a great goal that was against Fulham.

“But I can’t praise Thommo more than say, since he’s come, we’ve started to get results.

“He’s taken a lot of weight off my shoulders, and I don’t have to come and battle big centre halves, which is not really what I want to do.”

But Blake’s recent impact from the bench is giving Paterson an added incentive to work hard for his shirt.

“It’s a team game, and when you’re not scoring, when Robbie can come on and save the team, like he’s done, that’s great,” he said.

“He proven all his career that he’s got quality, and he’s gone for millions.

“He’s going to score goals, and I’m delighted for him, because he’s worked hard.

“Competition is great, because if you’re not doing it, someone else is, and you have to do it then, otherwise you lose your place.

“It’s part of football.”

And the former Stoke front man believes a fully fit Burnley squad has all the ingredients to challenge for the Championship top spots this term.

“Injuries aside, I think we can stay in the top six. We’ve got a great squad,” he said.

“I don’t know if it will be added to, but if everyone stays fit, we can maintain our form.

“I hope people are taking notice of us, but I’m not too bothered if they aren’t, we’re not there to be noticed, we’re there to get results.

“If people overlook us, that’s their mistake.

“We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing, working hard, we’ve got a great team spirit – it’s the best team I’ve been in for spirit.

“Everyone is together, we all get on, and it’s a great team to be in.”