MATT Lowton believes Nick Pope has been the best English goalkeeper for the last six months with the Clarets stopper in contention for England recognition.

Pope’s remarkable rise could be capped by an international call on Thursday, with Gareth Southgate’s goalkeeping options for the Three Lions looking wide open.

Saturday’s shutout in the weekend win over West Ham was Pope’s 10th Premier League clean sheet since making his top flight debut in September, coming on for the injured Tom Heaton against Crystal Palace.

Pope’s performances for the Clarets have thrust the 25-year-old into the England spotlight, with Joe Hart making a blunder for Burnley’s third goal on his return to the West Ham team on Saturday.

And Lowton is in no doubt that Pope deserves an international chance.

“He’s been different class for us since he came in,” the right back said.

“I still remember the day he came on against Palace, he made a big save from (Christian) Benteke that day.

“He’s just built on that and slipped straight in. In house we knew what he was like, we see him in training every day.

“We knew he had the potential to come straight in and do it, he’s kept us in games a few times. That’s what you need from your goalkeeper.

“There’s a lot of English goalkeepers at the moment that are maybe not in the best of form. From the pick of them I think Nick is in the best form.

“It’s up to the England manager but I think he’s been the best keeper for the last six months, so hopefully he gets his reward.”

Pope’s fine form for the Clarets will present Turf boss Sean Dyche with a dilemma when Heaton returns to full fitness.

The club captain could be ready for a first-team return when Burnley visit West Brom on March 31, and while Lowton insists competition is vital for the squad, he admits he wouldn’t like to be in the manager’s shoes.

“It’s going to be a difficult decision, they both deserve to play. Heats has been fantastic since I joined, as a captain and as a player,” the 28-year-old said.

“It’s going to be some decision, so I’m glad I don’t have to make it.

“(The competition) is good for the squad. When we’ve picked up a few injuries lads have come in and we’ve got points on the board still.

“It’s key we have competition every day to push in training. We’ve got the best depth since I’ve joined.”

Southgate has been at the last two Turf Moor fixtures to cast his eye over Burnley’s England hopefuls, and Lowton has been one to impress with a strong performance against Everton, which included a fine assist for Ashley Barnes’ equaliser.

“All you can do is go out there and play your best, if the England manager is watching then it’s great,” Lowton said.

“It’s a difficult squad to get in, especially in my position, but the lads are playing really well week in and week out.

“Corky got his call-up, Popey, Tarky and Ben (Mee) have been brilliant all season, so there’s a lot of potential England players in this squad.

“We just keep pushing on and if the call comes I’m sure everyone will be buzzing.”