TOM Heaton admitted he was overcome with emotion when he learned of his England call-up.

The Clarets keeper has been involved with Three Lions youth squads from Under-16s to Under-21s but yesterday’s announcement that he was included in Roy Hodgson’s 24-man squad for next month’s games against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia, was the first time in his career that he has earned senior international recognition.

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And Heaton, who becomes the first Burnley player for more than 40 years to be named in an England squad, admitted he was taken by surprise when Clarets boss Sean Dyche gave him the heads-up.

“It’s difficult to put into words,” said Heaton. “When the manager told me it was almost difficult to believe and then there was a euphoric flood of emotion.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and pretty much everything since I started playing has been geared towards trying to get there. This isn’t the final step because the dream goes beyond this, but it’s certainly a great step along the way and I’m absolutely thrilled.”

And Heaton credited fellow keeper Matt Gilks and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer for their part in his progress.

“I have to say a huge thank you to Matt Gilks for his help and support and especially to Billy Mercer for all the work he’s put in with me over the last couple of years,” said the 29-year-old.

“We work very hard and he’s had a massive input into my development, and still does.

“Equally, the same applies to the manager and his staff, who continue to give great guidance.”

Boss Dyche says Heaton’s inclusion in the England squad is an example of Burnley’s positivity in the Premier League.

It is just two years since Dyche plucked Heaton from the brink of League One and signed the stopper from relegated Bristol City. He has gone on to play in every league game in Burnley’s promotion and Premier League seasons.

And Dyche says international recognition is testament to the level of performance Heaton has offered in the top flight - contributing to nine clean sheets.

“We are absolutely delighted for Tom,” he said. “Congratulations go to him because it’s a huge thing personally, but also for everyone connected with Burnley Football Club.

“Tom was my first signing for the club and here we are two years later with an England player in the squad.

“It’s a fantastic journey he has been on with us since then. He’s been in consistent form pretty much from day one and fully deserves his chance to show that on the international stage.

“Equally, to become the first player from the club to receive an England call up in 40 years is a big sign that we are on the right track as a club.

“Among the obvious disappointment of not maintaining our Premier League status there are some very big positives for this football club and this is one of them.”

He added: “Tom’s achievement encapsulates all that is positive about the club at present.

“The whole profile of the club has been recognised and the fact we now have an England player shows that we are alive and kicking.”