CHRIS Iwelumo went home with the matchball after scoring his first hat-trick in three years, but admitted he almost didn’t play on derby day.

A hamstring injury picked up at Swansea two weeks ago had threatened to rule the Scotland striker out of Saturday's visit of Preston.

But the 32-year-old powerhouse pushed himself through the pain barrier to bring Burnley back from the brink by completing his first hat-trick since September 2008, which was also scored against North End.

“They must be my team. I’d love to play them every week!” smiled Iwelumo, who was sent off in that game at Deepdale.

There was a red card at Turf Moor on Saturday too, as Billy Jones was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Preston were leading 3-1 at the time, but the Clarets used their extra man to full effect in the final six minutes to clinch the game 4-3, with homegrown striker Jay Rodriguez grabbing a last-gasp winner.

The Burnley-born 21-year-old had been praised by manager Brian Laws during the week for scoring twice as the reserves claimed top spot in the totesport.com league with a win over neighbours Accrington Stanley.

And, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Middlesbrough, top scorer Iwelumo has backed the youngster to have a big season in the Championship.

“He’s massive,” said the former Wolves targetman.

“He’s a fantastic talent. He’s a great young player who’s got everything.

“In the air he’s probably stronger than myself.

“He’s been patient. The competition for places is unbelievable.

"Everyone’s at it and everyone’s looking sharp, but as soon as we hit a sticky patch I’m sure it gets rotated.

“I said on the first day of pre-season competition is great here.

"We’ve just got to make sure that when we get the chance we keep the shirt.

“I think Jay’s done everything in his power to keep hold of it, but it’s another game away from home and we’ll see what the gaffer decides to do.”

Iwelumo, himself, will need assessing after being a doubt ahead of Preston’s visit.

“I never thought I’d be here,” said the Coatbridge-born striker, who had to withdraw from Scotland’s Euro 2012 qualifiers because of injury.

“I tried a light session on Thursday and I was aware of it all the time. Friday it was a bit more free, but even when I woke up on the morning of the game I was aware of it.

“I’d say I wasn’t the most mobile on the day and I think that kind of killed the game for Pato (Martin Paterson) and Ross Wallace because they had to do a lot more for me, and they did it because that’s what they do. They’re an honest bunch.

“I said to the gaffer after the match it wasn’t the best performance by myself in getting around.

“Okay, I’ll nick a goal here and there but I think there’s a lot more to do in a game than scoring goals, although that’s probably one of the most important things.”

Iwelumo’s hat-trick – two well-placed headers either side of a stunning right-foot volley – made it five goals in three Turf Moor appearances since arriving from Molineux and maintained Burnley’s 100 per cent start at home, after trailing 2-1 at the break and 3-1 until the 84th minute.

“The gaffer got stuck into us at half-time and said a few truths and we came out with a better tempo and attitude and then we conceded, I’d say, against the run of play,” he continued.

“You think it’s probably all done and over when they get the third goal, but you’ve got to pick yourself up and it shows the character of the team and the players.

“I’ve always said it’s a fantastic bunch.

“The sending off was definitely an advantage for us. We kept on creating chances, got the second goal and that gave us that kind of oomph.

"The fans picked themselves up and made a lot of noise.

“When we got the equaliser I remember looking up and seeing 88 minutes.

"I knew there was going to be a lot of stoppage time and I couldn’t see us not scoring.

“We were definitely in control then, and Jay does what he does best.”

He added: “It’s a fantastic result and a derby match that I think was a great spectacle for everyone.

“We’re back to winning ways, we’ve made this place a fortress and that’s what we’ve got to try to maintain.”