Tom Heaton still has aspirations of becoming the first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United.
Goalkeeper wants to be Red Devils No.1
Tom Heaton still has aspirations of becoming the first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United.
The youngster is set to spend the 2008/09 season on loan with Championship side Cardiff, but sees the move as a logical step on the road to achieving his ultimate ambition.
The 22-year-old has progressed through the youth ranks at Old Trafford and insists that he has the ability and determination to be a success with the Red Devils.
"It would mean everything to become Manchester United's No.1," Heaton told the
Manchester Evening News.
"As soon as I first signed and started to play for United at under-12 level that was the goal I set out to achieve. Nothing has changed since then.
"My move to Cardiff City is another step towards that target and it is in the back of my mind all the time."
Ambition
Sir Alex Ferguson had planned to send Heaton out on loan last season, but a serious knee injury to Ben Foster meant that the youngster was needed to fulfil back-up duties with the Premier League champions.
There were believed to be a number of clubs keen to offer him first-team experience next season, but Ferguson's relationship with Bluebirds boss Dave Jones appears to have swung the deal in their favour.
"All things considered it was decided that Cardiff offered the best opportunity for me," said the England U21 international.
"They have huge ambition to challenge for promotion next season and they play good football. They are two of the main reasons I was keen to sign for Cardiff.
"First and foremost my aim is to be No.1. I need to be playing.
"After that, once the season gets going, it's to push for promotion.
"I talked to the manager Dave Jones and chairman Peter Ridsdale and there is no doubt the whole club is geared towards promotion and I am certainly no different."
Outstanding
Despite having not yet made a competitive appearance for the Red Devils, Heaton was included in the travelling party for the UEFA Champions League success over Chelsea in Moscow.
"I was in the squad for the European Champions League final, although I wasn't involved in the match," he said.
"I was in the stand in Moscow with a few of the other players and it was fantastic to be involved in that calibre of game. It was great for me, as obviously I can take a lot out of that. There's not much more you can do in club football than win the Champions League.
"Just being there and being part of the squad was outstanding."
