ANDY WILKINSON admits he is relishing the opportunity to lock horns with former team-mate and close friend Martin Paterson at Turf Moor tomorrow evening.

The Potters travel to Lancashire looking to secure a third victory on the road in the Barclays Premier League this season, while Brian Laws' side will be desperate for maximum points as they strive to retain top flight status.

Wilkinson and Paterson spent almost six years together in the Potteries as they progressed through the youth ranks into the first team, and whilst the latter left almost three years ago in search of regular first team football, the pair have remained close ever since.

"It will be brilliant to come up against Martin and I know he is feeling exactly the same way," smiled the 25-year old defender ahead of the game.

"We have been close for a long, long time and like me, he is a big Stoke fan, but when it comes down to it we will both be out there giving it our all for our clubs.

"Believe me, he will be desperate to get one over us tomorrow, but we will be going out there to do our utmost to ensure that doesn't happen.

He added: "He's a top lad and a very good player, and I know he will get a fantastic reception from our supporters if he is involved. He has scored a couple of goals recently after returning from injury and he's told me he will get another on Wednesday. Let's see about that."

Paterson, who scored 19 goals for Burnley as they won promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last season, has endured a frustrating debut campaign in the Premier League, having been laid low by a long term knee injury.

However, after making a full recovery, and scoring twice in his last three games, he is now hoping to play a pivotal role in the Clarets fortunes over the next few weeks.

"It's been a long road back," confessed the Tunstall-born striker. "I went from being in the team week in-week out to sitting on my couch for four months.

"It wasn't a nice experience after enjoying such a good year last season, but I'm back now and hopefully I can help Burnley stay in this division."