HEAT IS ON FOR TOM’S COMEBACK

TOM HEATON faces crunch talks with Aston Villa and could be heading for the exit door.

The 34-year-old England goalkeeper is ready to return to the squad against former club Burnley tonight after an agonising yearlong injury lay-off.

Heaton has been out in the cold for club and country following a serious knee injury on his return to Turf Moor back in January (above).

Now he hopes to launch a lastditch bid to get himself back in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for next summer’s Euros.

But Heaton’s first problem is dislodging Emiliano Martinez, who has established himself as the No.1 at Villa since his £17million summer move from Arsenal.

Villa boss Dean Smith (below) acknowledges Heaton finds himself between a rock and a hard place.

He’s set to name Heaton in his first team squad for a poignant return to Turf Moor, where he spent six years before his

£8m switch to Villa.

Smith said: “He’s in the frame. I sat down with Tom last Thursday and discussed whether he would be involvedd against Wolves at the weekend. He said he needed another game or two and we agreed on that.

“He’s expressed his desire to challenge Emi for the shirt and I said he’s got to challenge Jed Steer as well. Physically and mentally he’s in a good place. I said to him that come January we will have more of an idea of where we are at.

“Once we get to January we will certainly have a look at our goalkeeping situation. Along with Lovre Kalinic, it’s one too many to be carrying.”

Anything but first team football is unlikely to appeal to Heaton, who may have to face going out on loan if a buyer can’t be found.

Burnley and Villa go into the game boosted by big wins at the weekend. Sean Dyche’s men toppled Arsenal at The Emirates, while Smith oversaw a late 1-0 smash and grab at Wolves.

Villa are missing defender Matty Cash and midfield star Douglas Luiz, who are both suspended.

Smith said: “Burnley have had a tough start but they appear to have turned the corner. I’ve got a lot of respect for Sean and the job he’s done there. We’ll have to be at our best to get anything.”