HEATON HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THE BIG TIME
Ex-Red doesn’t expect to replace Hart but wants to cement a place in Three Lions squad
FORMER United keeper Tom Heaton isn’t expecting to oust Joe Hart and replace the City keeper as England’s number one.
A string of impressive Premier League performances for Burnley resulted in a maiden call-up for the 29-year-old for the Three Lions’ games against Ireland and Slovenia.
With Fraser Forster and Ben Foster injured, Heaton has joined Hart and Robert Green in the England squad.
That quality and experience means the ex-Reds trainee is approaching these matches more in hope than expectation.
He was used to being an understudy at Old Trafford having not been handed a first-team game by the Reds before leaving for Cardiff in 2010.
But he has not looked back since kick-starting his career with a move to Burnley in 2013.
“We’re here to play games but I’ve come here with no expectation of that,” Heaton said. “It’s important that I get in and show what I can do and feel at home as soon as possible.
“That starts with the training but with regards to the matches, that is out of my control. There is certainly a hope there.
“I think I’m looking forward to testing myself at the highest level more than anything. It’s been a while since I was at United and that was a very good level but this is probably above that. You can see the quality and I want to keep pushing my game on. It’s certainly been a big thing from me, the message since I signed at Burnley, to keep progressing and this is another chance to keep doing that. You can’t get away with anything less than the best.”
While Heaton isn’t banking on winning his first cap, he is enjoying the experience of being in the England camp - even if he is getting some stick from a former United club- mate who is now on England’s coaching staff.
“I’ve had a bit of grief off Gary Neville saying I’m supposed to be quiet in the corner on my first trip but that’s not my way,” Heaton said.
“I’m delighted, I’m thoroughly enjoying it but I’m also here to do a job and I want to perform for my country.
“It’s fantastic to be here for myself, the (Burnley) goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer, the manager, the staff and everyone connected with the club.
“But I have to make it clear my ambition goes far beyond just getting into the squad and making it a one-time thing.
“I’ve got my foot in the door and I want to make sure I make an impact so that I can come back again.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Jordan Henderson is glad to see that his fellow England international James Milner will be playing alongside him at Liverpool next term.
Liverpool announced on Thursday that they had signed the midfielder from City on a free transfer.
The Blues had offered Milner an improved contract to stay at the Etihad Stadium, but the 29-year-old opted to move to Anfield instead.
“It’s a fantastic signing,” Henderson said of Milner, who has 53 caps.
“His attitude on and off the field is first-class. You know you’ll get energy from him.
“He’s a quality player. I watched a lot of City players last year and he contributes a lot with assists and goals.
“He’s got a lot of ability and he does a lot of the dirty work as well.
“I look forward to playing with him next season.”
‘United was a very good level but this is probably above that’