Tom Heaton Feels Good to Be Back at Burnley and Cannot Wait for the Premier League to Start
Burnley captain Tom Heaton cannot wait for the next Premier League campaign to start as he prepares himself for a third season with the Clarets.
The Burnley Express reports that the 31-year-old England international feels confident after an exceptional boost of form from last season.
In his total of 73 appearance for Burnley at the top flight, Heaton has kept 20 clean sheets and made the most saves in the Premier League last season with 141 stops.
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: Goalkeeper Tom Heaton of England holds the ball during an England training session on the eve of their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Scotland at St Georges Park on June 9, 2017 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Heaton himself declared that he was in good shape ahead of Burnley's first pre-season friendly against Ireland's Shamrock Rovers on the 15th.
“I’ve been chomping at the bit to get back in and it was a nice start,” said the England international. “It’s probably the best I’ve felt, coming back in pre-season.
“It never takes you too long to get back in the rhythm and I don’t feel too far away at the moment.”
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Thomas Heaton of Burnley kicks the ball during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Burnley at Vitality Stadium on May 13, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
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The stopper didn't enjoy as long a break as his fellow Burnley teammates due to his commitments with the England national team.
Heaton played 45 minutes in an international friendly against an in-form France team at the Stade de France in June.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Tom Heaton of Burnley celebrates his sides first goal after Ashley Barnes of Burnley (not pictured) scored during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on March 12, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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England lost the match 3-2 with Harry Kane netting twice for the Three Lions. Heaton Reminisces about the experience: “It was a nice summer.
“Obviously, I was delighted to start the game for England and disappointed to lose, but I thoroughly enjoyed the 45 minutes and it ended up being a very good two weeks’ away.
“That two-week international break in the middle, where you are working and have to be on top of your game, helps you.”
