Burnley’s biggest strength is squad unity, says Heaton

Tom Heaton believes Burnley’s unity can overcome any summer departures from Turf Moor.

Many of Heaton’s playing colleagues, as well as manager Sean Dyche, have been linked with the Burnley exit door.

Speculation is growing about whether first-team regulars Michael Keane, George Boyd and Andre Gray will stay in Lancashire beyond the summer, while Dyche is reportedly a target for Crystal Palace to fill their managerial vacancy.

After gaining promotion from the Championship in 2015-16, Burnley finished 16th, six points clear of the relegation zone, with their impressive home form the key to their survival.

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And 31-year-old goalkeeper Heaton, who joined Burnley in 2013 and has since racked up 174 appearances for the Clarets, believes the togetherness of Dyche’s squad can combat anyone leaving the club.

“I think the way we work here, our biggest strength is the team ethic, that unity,” England international Heaton said.

“We have good individuals but we’ve had players injured and suspended, and other players have come in and done fantastically well. We really are a team.

“When players do well, they will be talked about getting moves here, there and everywhere, but that’s part and parcel of it.

“Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it and keep moving forward.”