TOM Heaton believes Burnley's collective strength will help them overcome the loss of Michael Keane.

The 24-year-old swapped Turf Moor for Goodison Park this summer, joining Everton in a deal that could be worth up to £30million after impressing for the Clarets last season.

Heaton believes Keane's move will see him reach even greater heights in his new surroundings but is confident that the void he has left can be filled by others currently in the Burnley set-up, with James Tarkowski and Kevin Long vying for a spot alongside Ben Mee at the back.

"Keano is a fantastic player and I think he'll go from strength to strength now," Heaton said.

"I thought his England debut was outstanding and obviously he got a big move.

"But the way we defend here, and the way we play, we're more about the unit and that team ethos.

"Players coming in and fitting in to that, hopefully it shouldn't cause too many ripples and it gives them a chance to put their stamp on it."

Former Manchester United trainee Keane was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award last term and garnered plenty of praise during the term from the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard.

However, Heaton has highlighted the contribution of his central-defensive colleague Mee and believes the 27-year-old will begin to gain greater outside credit now Keane is no longer in the spotlight.

"Ben has been outstanding in the last few seasons and last season was probably the best of the lot," Heaton added.

"It certainly didn't go under the radar in our building.

"I know the outside public might have looked at Keano but we certainly value what Ben did and what he's about. It's an opportunity for him to put a marker down and progress his own game."