CLARETS legend Martin Dobson says it is “fantastic” that Tom Heaton has usurped him as the last Burnley player to receive a senior England call-up.

The former midfielder had held the honour for more than 40 years.

But after Heaton was named in Roy Hodgson’s squad for next months’ friendly with the Republic of Ireland and Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia, Dobson said: “Records are there to be broken.

“It’s fantastic.

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“Tom seems to have got better throughout the season.

“The last time I saw him was against Everton last month and he looked very solid in that game.”

Heaton, a Premier League ever-present this season, saved a penalty from England’s Ross Barkley in that game, although it was not enough to prevent the Clarets from slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.

However, an impressive return of nine clean sheets has brought him into international focus.

“It’s an interesting one with Tom because going back two years I was on a scouting mission watching what was to be his last game for Bristol City at Ashton Gate when they were beaten 3-1 by Huddersfield,” said Rishton-born Dobson, who received his first England call-up in November 1973 but had to wait until April 1974 to make his debut, against Portugal, while on Burnley’s books.

“I knew his background at Manchester United as a junior but it is difficult for a young player to get established in a United team.

“He went out and got good experience with loan spells at Rochdale and Wycombe before his transfer to Cardiff, and then he moved on again to Bristol City.

“I came away from that game thinking that he had been badly let down by his defence.

“But from looking at a season in League One the summer came and he came to Burnley.

“I remember Sean Dyche saying that when he was at Watford he had watched the lad and rated him, so it was always in the back of his mind.

“That’s excellent scouting really, because you back your own judgement, and the rest is history.

“He had a great first season as Burnley’s number one, won promotion and that must have done his confidence the world of good.

“Then playing in the top division and keeping nine clean sheets in a relegated team.

“What a boost to Tom the call-up is, to mix with all the other top players in the country.

“It just goes to show it’s never too late for anybody. If things don’t go right, with hard work and perseverance, an element of luck and the confidence of the manager and the coaching staff it can all change.

“He’s gone from relegation to League One to England call-up in two years.

“He is obviously a dedicated pro. I’m delighted for him and wish him well.”

As Burnley prepare to bid farewell to the Premier League, for at least another season, with Sunday’s final game of 2014/15 at Aston Villa, Dobson said it was a timely boost for the Clarets.

“It’s great for the club,” he said.

“I always thought with the performances they would get out of it. They deserved something out of the Everton game, even with 10 men for 45 minutes.

“It’s very disappointing to lost your status in the top division, but with the players they’ve got and the manager they can come back.”