Heaton signs new four-year contract with Burnley

Matt Stead

Burnley captain Tom Heaton has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The England goalkeeper had two years remaining on his existing deal but has now committed until the summer of 2020.

“I am obviously over the moon to sign for another four years,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge, especially this season and whatever comes after that.

“Being at Burnley has been fantastic for me and I’ve enjoyed every minute, on a personal note.

“Now I’m looking forward, as I say, to what the future is, to keep challenging myself and the position.”

Heaton returned to training this week, having been given extended leave as he was part of England’s squad at the Euro 2016.

That experience, and the prospect of playing in the Premier League again after promotion last season, has spurred Heaton on to improve.

“It was certainly a dream of mine to get a cap. To get it is incredible and it’s made me hungry for more,” he added.

“I really want to kick on and push that boundary now and see where I can get to.

“As ever, you reach that point and you think about the next one, getting more, starting a game and kicking on from there.

“That’s certainly my drive and desire, but I’ve been in the game long enough to know that the important thing is you keep working hard every day.

“That’s certainly what my focus is on.

“I want to get better. I still feel like I’ve got more to come, still want to achieve more and all that comes from hard work.

“If things come with that, then great, but I think the focus will always be on putting the work on the training pitch and seeing where it takes me.”