THE HEAT IS ON HART
Keeper Tom’s back from injury & determined to reclaim his spot
TOM HEATON has warned Joe Hart he intends to make Burnley’s No.1 spot his own again.
Heaton finally made his comeback in the controversial defeat to Olympiakos 11 months after dislocating his shoulder.
Sean Dyche signed Hart for £3.5million from Manchester City while Heaton, 32, was crocked, and the Clarets skipper admits he wants to start ahead of the former England No.1.
“That’s the aim,” said Heaton. “We’ve got a great goalkeeping department at the moment, with a lot of competition.
“But I can’t hide away from the fact that my aim is to get back playing in the Premier League.
“There are five senior keepers, but I’ve taken the first step on my personal journey.
“You don’t shy away from the competition and I’ll meet it head on. It felt fantastic to be back.
“It’s been a long journey – 11-and-a-half months since my last competitive game, so it was brilliant to be back out there playing.
“It’s the first step on the ladder for me and I’m looking forward to kicking on from here.”
Heaton’s world has been turned upside down since he was injured last September and his understudy Nick Pope replaced him to take his spot in England’s World Cup squad.
Pope then dislocated his shoulder and Heaton injured his calf, prompting Dyche to sign Hart. But the former Manchester United trainee insists he has returned stronger than ever.
“It’s difficult,” said Heaton. “It was a nasty injury and I had a few complications, but what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.
“I feel more resilient. I’m feeling hungrier than ever. I’m feeling in great shape.” Heaton is desperate to get the nod to start against Fulham tomorrow at Craven Cottage, and Dyche claims the west Londoners’ £100m summer splurge has made it harder for Burnley to compete.
“The financial model of football has gone,” said the Clarets boss, who spent a relatively modest £30m. “But this club wants to make sure not just the next month, but the next two or three years, are looked after.”
Clarets players Ben Mee, Adam Legzdins and Dwight McNeil were allegedly spat at during Thursday’s illtempered Europa League qualifier against Olympiakos.
It is understood the trio were targeted by angry home fans at half-time as they sat in the stands of the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium and had to be moved for their own safety.