CLARETS captain Tom Heaton insists he's 'ready to go' after coming through a fourth 90 minute outing on his comeback from shoulder surgery.

Heaton played the full game for the Under-23s as they beat Queens Park Rangers 3-1 at Turf Moor under the watchful gaze of Sean Dyche and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer.

That was the 31-year-old's second Professional Development League fixture during the international break, added to the two behind-closed-doors games he has played.

And Heaton insists he's now ready to challenge Nick Pope, who has impressed since taking over from Heaton in September.

“I’m ready to go really. It’s my fourth 90 minutes. Each one is a step done and I felt really good today,” he said.

“On the back of an injury you’re desperate to get back playing. It’s been a few long, hard months in the gym and in the physio room, so I’m delighted to be back out on the grass and I think that sort of ticks the box in playing games now.

“It feels good and I’m pleased to be playing. I’ll probably speak to the manager and to the physios, but in terms of where I feel, I feel sharp and ready to go and the arm feels superb.”

Heaton dislocated his shoulder during the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on September 10 and has had to watch on as Pope has impressed in his absence, keeping 10 full clean sheets in the Premier League while also now taking Heaton's place in the England set-up.

“It’s been hard and a different sort of challenge,” Heaton told Clarets Player.

“Until you’ve been through it you don’t really realise to be honest. It’s difficult at times.

“I have been desperate to get back and back fit and I want to play some games this season.

“That’s been the drive and that’s been the motivator.

“The physios and the sports science have been brilliant and behind the scenes they’ve been top drawer. I’m very grateful for that and pleased to be back.

“It’s been an outstanding season. The lads have been superb. The performances have been top draw, the results have been great and the position in the league superb.

“So, I’m desperate to get back and make an impact. That’s certainly my ambition.

"Popey has been fantastic, but that’s part and parcel of club football. You get amongst it and you compete for shirts. I’m just delighted to be back in that position to do that.”