Tom Heaton focused on Burnley amid talk of Euro 2016 call-up
Tuesday 12 April 2016 15:31, UK
Tom Heaton will put thoughts of making England's Euro 2016 squad to one side to concentrate on Burnley's promotion push.
Jack Butland's injury enhanced the uncapped Clarets goalkeeper's chances of being in Roy Hodgson's squad for France this summer as third-choice behind Joe Hart and Fraser Forster.
Heaton was on the bench in Berlin last month when Stoke City's Butland suffered an ankle injury and was devastated to see his international colleague's season ended.
However, he has put thoughts of the summer showpiece behind him in an attempt to concentrate fully on securing Premier League football for the Championship leaders next season.
"I was gutted for Jack, he's a top lad and a top goalkeeper," Heaton said. "Whether that opens a door for me or not, we'll have to wait and see.
"I try not to look too far ahead, I focus on playing week in, week out and putting in some good performances and the rest is up to the manager."
Heaton was first called into the England set-up in May 2015 and was a regular in Hodgson's squads while Forster was sidelined with a serious knee injury.
And, being the only call-up from the lower leagues, the former Manchester United trainee believes his game has developed while working alongside the country's elite talents on international duty.
"The natural progression of being around the top players in the country, in that environment, I think it does lift more out of you and I've tried to use that and keep getting better all the time, it's certainly a factor," he added.
Heaton has also hailed the influence of his deputy at Turf Moor, Paul Robinson, who has himself represented his country between the sticks.
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Former Blackburn keeper Robinson, who made the move across east Lancashire earlier this season, is yet to feature for Sean Dyche's side but the 36-year-old's knowledge of the game has been beneficial to Heaton.
"He's been excellent in terms of adding that experience. He's been there and done everything really," Heaton said of Robinson who has been capped 41 times by England.
"I've got on fantastically well with him so far, he's been a very good addition to the squad around the dressing room.
"He's another calming influence and he's very good for me personally to draw upon with what he's been through and different ideas and ways he did it, it just gives you another angle."
