Burnley

Michael Duff praises Tom Heaton influence at Burnley

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 27 March 2018

Duff praises Heaton influence at Burnley

Burnley Under-23s boss Michael Duff praises the professionalism of goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who has recently spent time with the second-string squad.

Burnley United-23s boss Michael Duff has praised the "example" which Tom Heaton is setting at Turf Moor.

Club captain Heaton has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury, but the England stopper has recently featured in a number of reserve-team fixtures.

Heaton is expected to return to the first-team squad after the international break, but Duff feels that the goalkeeper has had a significant influence on the younger members of the club.

Duff told Burnley's official website: "The last week tells you a lot about Tom. He's a constant professional in everything he does. We travelled six and a half hours on the bus down to Charlton on a Sunday not knowing whether the game was going to be played or not because of the weather.

"Being the club captain as well, he sets the example for everyone else, whether it's with the U23s, the first team, or England. He's the same all the time and has been great for the group in these last two games."

Heaton will likely have to act as backup to Nick Pope in the coming weeks, starting with the team's trip to West Bromwich Albion this weekend.