Burnley's Tom Heaton savouring Peter Schmeichel praise
Friday 4 November 2016 23:33, UK
Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton says winning praise from Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel is a "massive moment" in his career.
Schmeichel posted a message on Twitter labelling Heaton's save to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic "one of the best ever in the Premier League".
"It was a massive moment for me," Heaton, who came up through the youth ranks at United before leaving in 2010, told Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday. "For such an idol of mine to say that was incredible.
"Schmeichel was my hero growing up, being at United he was such a fantastic figure and goalkeeper. As time went on and he retired I spent a bit of time with Edwin van der Sar who also became inspirational for me.
"They were two different 'keepers at the opposite end of the spectrum. Schmeichel with his presence and aggression, Edwin had a massive presence but in a different way, he was calmer and composed. I have tried to add a bit of both to my game."
Heaton's heroics helped Burnley earn a point at Old Trafford last weekend, and they will be hoping to build on that when they host Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Also on the horizon for Heaton is international duty, with the 30-year-old set to be called up for the England squad to face Scotland in a World Cup Qualifier and then Spain in a friendly.
Heaton has so far only made a three-minute cameo for England, but said: "It's fantastic to be involved, brilliant to get a cap and of course I want to build on that and try to get more, that's the next step.
"I will be working each week to try and add weight to my claim. I feel ready, ready in my head for that next step, but I have no expectation and will just keep working hard every week and keep trying to put the performances in and see where that takes me."
Reflecting on Burnley's start to the season, which has seen them win three and draw two of their 10 Premier League matches, Heaton added: "We have made a good start, last time we were in the Premier League it took us a while to get our first win, it's something we wanted to change this time around.
"We talked about in pre-season and we have managed to do it with three wins on the board. and a couple of draws."
Watch the full interview with Tom Heaton - and hear from the likes of Joe Allen and Wilfried Zaha - on Soccer Saturday from midday on Sky Sports News HQ.
