The Clarets manager expects goalkeeper Tom Heaton to be fit enough for the trip to St Mary’s on Sunday.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche
Quoted by the Lancashire Telegraph, Sean Dyche has described himself as “very hopeful” that Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton will feature in Sunday’s trip to Southampton.
The Clarets stopper picked up a calf strain on international duty with England and withdrew from the squad, but that was a decision brought about as a result of caution rather than because it was anything serious.
Burnley’s Tom Heaton and teammates applauds fans after the match
“He seems okay,” Dyche said. “We’ll get more news over the next couple of days, the extra day is helpful with us playing Sunday.
“We’re hopeful but there’s no guarantees, the game’s still a few days away but we’re very hopeful on it,” he added.
Heaton’s inclusion will be a boost for Burnley, who are looking to bounce back after an unfortunate late defeat to Arsenal at Turf Moor in their last fixture prior to the international break.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper has been an ever-present for Dyche’s side this season, making some fine saves along the way, and was one of two Burnley players to receive England recognition along with defender Michael Keane.
Paul Robinson
If Heaton does fail to prove his fitness, there could be a return to Premier League action for veteran goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The former England no.1 last appeared in the top flight for Blackburn in May 2012, but joined the Clarets as back-up in the summer and may find himself forced into action.
Alternatively, a Premier League debut may be in store for Nick Pope. The 24-year-old joined the Clarets from Charlton in the summer and is yet to feature in the top flight after spending the majority of the last few seasons out on loan in the lower leagues.
Nick Pope
Pope made 28 appearances in all competitions for the Addicks last season as they were relegated from the Championship, and made his Burnley bow in the League Cup as they were on the wrong end of a shock 1-0 defeat at Accrington.
In other Burnley team news, Andre Gray remains absent as he serves his FA suspension for improper conduct, while Ashley Barnes is still around a week away from a return as he battles a thigh injury.
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