Brooks in Giggs tip top shape

TOM HEATON has warned Joe Hart he wants Burnley’s No1 spot back.

Heaton finally made his comeback in the controversial defeat by Olympiakos 11 months after dislocating his shoulder.

Sean Dyche signed Hart for £3.5million from Manchester City while Heaton was crocked and the Clarets skipper says he wants to start ahead of the former England No1.

“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. I want to get going that way.

“There are five senior goalkeepers so it’s a strong department, but I’m looking forward to embracing that and I have taken the first step on my personal journey.

“That’s certainly my ambition. 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, old 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, 32, is desperate to get the nod to start against Fulham tomorrow at Craven Cottage and Dyche claims the Cottagers’ £100m summer transfer splurge has made it harder for Burnley to compete in

What does not kill you makes you stronger