SEAN DYCHE has spectacularly compared Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton to Manchester United’s David de Gea.
Heaton made some great saves in the Clarets’ 3-1 loss at Southampton and Dyche says he has noticed similarities in the two keepers’ reading of the game.
He said: “I watched David de Gea the other night and I thought he was tremendous – not just his saves but the way he is away from the ball, prowling across his box and reading the game.
“I think Tom has a bit of that in the way he has developed in his career over the last two years and as he continues to do so.”
Dyche also spoke about the moment he decided to bring Heaton to Turf Moor, when most fans thought he had lost his marbles.
Heaton had just been relegated to League 1 with Bristol City and wasn’t on many clubs’ shopping lists.
Dyche said: “I got slaughtered for bringing him in because he was my first signing and he’d just got relegated.
"I didn't have a crystal ball, I didn't know he was going to play for England, but I remember watching him back then and thinking that even in a team that was having a really tough time, he never went under.
"That is a great weapon to have as a goalkeeper and I think he's got that mentality as I think all top keepers do."
Burnley are in 14th place going into Saturday's game at home to Everton, one point above the relegation zone.
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