Heaton’s cool with mission

SEAN DYCHE claims Tom Heaton has not been scarred by having his world turned upside down in the past year.

Heaton must try to win back the No.1 position at Burnley from Joe Hart after his dislocated shoulder injury cost him his starting place at Turf Moor and his England spot.

The Clarets skipper made his first start in 11 months against Olympiakos on Thursday and Dyche praised his mental strength.

He says the former Manchester United trainee is not dwelling on any disappointment at missing out on the World Cup and is focused on winning back his Burnley place.

“It’s like the saying ‘if ifs and ands were pots and pans, we’d all be tinkers’,” said Dyche.

“It’s just one of those things, but he’s OK. He’s a great character Tom and he’s only looking forward.

“He’s been good. He’s a top pro Tom, a top pro. He knows the things he has to do to be right.

“He understands the game and the profession. So he’s in good shape, mentally and physically.”

Heaton’s comeback was delayed by a calf injury suffered in pre-season and Dyche was pleased with his display in the defeat by Olympiakos, even though he was beaten three times.

He felt he showed no signs of rust and dealt well with the uneven surface.

“That was a really bobbly pitch, but he still made a couple of good pick-ups,” said Dyche.

“He made it look easy, but it’s not when they’re flying through a pack and just bounce in front of you. It was good to see him back.”