TOM Heaton has backed Burnley new boy Matt Lowton to be a hit at Turf Moor.

Lowton linked up with his new Clarets team-mates for the first time yesterday as they returned for pre-season fitness tests.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Heaton, who has signed a new three-year contract with Burnley this week, was not present after being given a few extra days off following England duty but believes Lowton can be a success with the Clarets.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche has signed Lowton from Aston Villa to replace Kieran Trippier, who has joined Tottenham Hotspur.

Heaton said: “I feel it’s a great show of intent from the club to get that deal done. He’s got great pedigree.

“He had a tremendous few years at Sheffield United which earned him a move to Aston Villa and he did well there as well.

“It’s a great acquisition and it shows our intentions. I’m certainly looking forward to meeting up with him, making him feel welcome and seeing him pull on the shirt.”

Heaton was called into the England senior squad for the first time for their recent matches against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.

Although he did not get on to the field for his debut in either game, the 29-year-old says he still loved every minute of his time with the international set-up.

Heaton added: “It was incredible and a fantastic experience for myself. I feel like I’ve learnt a lot and similar to the Premier League thing it certainly gives you that ambition and hunger to get back there.

“I want to be playing at that sort of level and I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt I performed well.

“It’s important I focus on my performances on the pitch and hopefully I can move that forward.”

Heaton is now focused on promotion from the Championship this season, following relegation from the top flight.

“You’ve got to embrace the Championship,” he said.

“It can be tough at times because there are a lot of games in a short period of time.

“It’s going to be interesting but I think we can use what we’ve learned so far and take that momentum forward.

“I’m sure it will be a successful season.”