FORMER Burnley goalkeeper Chris Pearce has backed the current incumbent Tom Heaton to add to his three England caps.

Pearce, a veteran of 236 appearances in the Turf goal, believes Heaton is currently one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and has been vital to Clarets’ success in recent seasons.

Heaton has been capped three times by the Three Lions as the fight for the three goalkeeping positions in the 23-man World Cup squad next summer intensifies.

Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford will all fancy their chances of forcing their way on to the plane should England finish the job in qualifying, but Pearce has backed Heaton to retain his place.

And he can see similarities between the Clarets captain and current England number one Hart in the way they exude a confidence around the penalty area.

“He’s so consistent, if he doesn’t get more England caps then there’s something wrong, especially with the way he’s playing,” Pearce said. “He looks the part in goal to me.

“He looks very confident in the area, it’s a bit like Joe Hart with his presence in goal. Joe Hart has always looked very confident, even when he’s not playing well.

“I think Tom’s one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and there’s a couple of very good ones in the league.”

Pearce admits he has changed his opinion since the 31-year-old’s free transfer arrival from Bristol City ahead of the 2013/14 season, having initially had doubts about the former Manchester United youngster.

They are long gone now though as Heaton closes in on 200 games for Burnley and Pearce is full of praise for his contribution around Turf Moor.

“When Tom first signed I wasn’t sure about him to be honest. I didn’t think he was too confident in the air and I had my doubts,” he said.

“He has changed my mind, I think he’s one of the best goalkeepers in England now. What he’s done at Burnley is tremendous and to get into the England squad and play for England is a real credit to him.”

Pearce’s time as a custodian of the Turf Moor goal is only 25 years ago, but he has watched with pride as the Clarets have gone from the fourth tier to the top tier, maintaining their Premier League status last season for the first time in over four decades.

“From where they were to where they are now it is unbelievable, you just wouldn’t believe it,” he said.

“It was great to stay in the Premier League last season.”