Football

Tom Heaton hoping facing Harry Kane in England training can help him stop Spurs striker in Burnley clash


TOM HEATON faces Harry Kane tomorrow, fresh from Burnley’s training camp in Portugal.

But the goalkeeper aims to be in the same team as the England captain when Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions travel to the Iberian country for the Nations League finals this summer.

 Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton hopes joint training with England team-mate Harry Kane will help him stop the Spurs hitman in Saturday's Premier League clash

Reuters

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton hopes joint training with England team-mate Harry Kane will help him stop the Spurs hitman in Saturday’s Premier League clash

Kane is back to fitness following an ankle injury sustained on January 13.

Yet the Spurs hotshot must beat Clarets keeper Heaton, who is looking to continue his superb form at Turf Moor after bouncing back from a serious shoulder injury that ended his World Cup hopes last season.

Heaton said: “It would be nice to be in the same team as Harry in the summer.

“He’s been injured so I don’t know how involved he will be but he’s one of many players Tottenham have who are top quality.

“I know all about him having faced him in training with England. But he’s certainly one to watch.

“The England camps are coming around again with two qualifiers in March and, of course, I’d like to be involved in the summer.

 Kane is set to make his return after sustaining an ankle problem in the 1-0 loss to Man Utd in January

Reuters

Kane is set to make his return after sustaining an ankle problem in the 1-0 loss to Man Utd in January

“I’m hungry and ambitious for that. It’s down to me to keep performing well for Burnley on a weekly basis.

“Missing out on the World Cup last summer has really added to my motivation of getting back in the squad.”

Burnley are unbeaten in the last seven games, which have coincided with Heaton being restored as the club’s No1 ahead of Joe Hart.

And the 32-year-old, man of the match a fortnight ago in the 3-1 away win at Brighton, reckons he is in the form of his life after analysing his game during his lengthy lay off.

Heaton added: “I’m feeling good and really enjoying my football. I missed playing when I was out so I appreciate it so much more now.

“I think I’m a better goalkeeper as well.

 Heaton missed England's glorious World Cup run last year due to a shoulder injury

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Heaton missed England’s glorious World Cup run last year due to a shoulder injury

“Physically I think I am in better shape.

“I’ve got more power and I am stronger due to the work I’ve done with my upper body.

“I had a great three or four years without any setbacks but the injury really made me think.

“I feel I’m playing with freedom because you just never know what is coming around the corner.”

With a free weekend due to being knocked out of the FA Cup, boss Sean Dyche took his players to the Algarve for a five-day training camp last week ahead of facing title-chasing Tottenham.

And the mini-break got the thumbs up from Heaton and Co as they make a big push to maintain their top-flight status.

 Burnley's seven-game unbeaten streak coincides with Heaton being restored as the club's No1 goalkeeper

Reuters

Burnley’s seven-game unbeaten streak coincides with Heaton being restored as the club’s No1 goalkeeper

Heaton said: “We had a great week in Portugal at the Quinta do Lago resort.

“The weather was great, the training was good and we got a nice mini pre-season with plenty of fitness work.

“The lads also played a couple of rounds of golf in the afternoon but I had to sit that out as I felt under the weather!

“But it was a good week to get away before we hit the run in.

“Tottenham are a top side with top players and they are chasing honours at the top end of the table.

“But we’re in great form at the moment, we’re at home so we’ll have our fans behind us and we’ve got plenty of momentum and belief.”

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino describes Harry Kane as an ‘animal’ and says he’s fit to play this weekend





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