Burnley never looked back after Bristol City transfer agreement: View | OneFootball

Burnley currently have a dilemma in between the sticks.

Summer signing James Trafford has struggled to get to grips with top flight football but has, for the most part, been trusted over former number one Arijanet Muric.

In recent weeks, however, Muric has started, and with Burnley enjoying an upturn in form, it leaves Vincent Kompany with a decision to make over who'll be his first-choice goalkeeper.

This predicament has left Burnley yearning for the stability undisputed number one Tom Heaton provided them for long stints with when they were last in the Premier League.

Heaton was at Burnley for six years as they achieved promotion to the Premier League on two separate occasions, and was an ever-present figure in goal for much of that time, making 200 appearances for the club.

He is considered a club legend after playing a pivotal role in Burnley's most successful period in the modern era, and having arrived on a free transfer, the Clarets will struggle to conduct better business in the transfer market.

Tom Heaton didn't miss a game in his first three seasons at the club

Heaton arrived at Turf Moor from Bristol City in 2013 and made an instant impact, playing all 46 Championship games as Burnley secured promotion to the Premier League.

Burnley finished second behind Leicester City, who went up as champions with the third-biggest tally in Championship history. The Clarets conceded the least number of goals, with Heaton playing every game for Sean Dyche's side.

Heaton would be just as reliable the next season, playing every game as Burnley failed to stave off relegation during their first season back in the Premier League.

Burnley would garner a reputation as a yo-yo club during this period, coming straight back up after relegation, with Heaton, who was now club captain, once again at the heart of the team's success.

Regarded as one of the most reliable keepers in England, Heaton would receive an international call-up in 2016, going on to make three appearances against Australia, Spain, and France.

Heaton would also be part of the infamous Euro 2016 squad that went out to Iceland, though Heaton failed to make it off the bench.

He'd also make the squad for England's UEFA Nations League Finals campaign in 2019, but injuries prevented him from making the 2018 World Cup.

Injuries started to take their toll

After an injury-free start to his career at Burnley, Heaton suffered a shoulder injury in September 2017 that would keep him out until March.

His long-term absence would pave the way for Nick Pope's ascension to Premier League and international recognition, and upon his return, Heaton would find himself playing second fiddle.

He would leave the club in 2019, joining Aston Villa, before suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Burnley that would all but end his career at the top level.

Whilst Heaton now provides backup at Manchester United, injuries deprived him of time when he was arguably at his peak. It was a cruel end to his Burnley career, but he is still fondly remembered by the Turf Moor faithful after six years of service.