CLARETS keeper Tom Heaton is ready to write another chapter in his family’s storied sporting history with his call-up for England at Euro 2016.

And his dad Dave believes no-one would have been prouder then the stopper’s grandfather Arthur and great-grandfather Fred, both ardent Burnley FC fans.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Burnley-born Dave said he has travelled far and wide in support of Tom’s career between the sticks, from junior and Cubs football in his native Chester to signing schoolboy forms with Wrexham, and later being spotted by a Manchester United scout while playing for the town team.

“He has played in every age group for England, from under-16s through to under-21. In fact he was number one right the way through before Joe Hart came along. But this is another level,” said Dave.

“We are really thrilled to bits and I just wish my dad was around to see this. You couldn’t make it up really.

“My grandfather took me to Turf Moor when I was a boy so the past three years have been fantastic. Of course we’ve only just found out about the call-up so we’re having to make plans for France now.”

But it was Tom’s elder sister who took her turn in the sporting spotlight first, recalls Dave, appearing as a junior tennis starlet at Wimbledon aged seven.

Not surprising when you consider that both Dave and his wife Joan are former PE teachers, with one county golf captain and the other county squash captain.

If he does make the starting line-up he will go one better than Alan Stevenson, the last Clarets keeper summoned by England in 1974, who did not feature.

Eight caps is the current all comers record for Turf Moor number ones, Colin McDonald holds that distinction having played four times at the 1958 World Cup.