Heaton call-up overdue - Arfield

The 29-year-old keeper kept his 10th clean sheet of the season when the Clarets beat Aston Villa 1-0 in Sunday's Barclays Premier League finale.

Burnley had already been relegated but Heaton has earned praise for his performances despite the Clarets' struggles.

He has been called up by Roy Hodgson for the friendly against Ireland and Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia and Arfield backed the decision.

"Tom has been brilliant. He deserves everything he gets. It was overdue," he said.

"The last game he was pushing hard with his displays and I think Rob Green got drafted in.

"He deserves it on merit and I think he will show everyone what he can do.

"He has shown what he is capable of throughout the campaign and I'm sure he will again if he gets the chance with England.

"When you look at our squad you would like to think it would be one of the strongest in the Championship.

"Once you get a taste of the Premier League - the stadiums, the big players, the fans - you want to come back.

"I know that we went down but I still think we can take great credit for what we have achieved and the way that we have played the game."

Danny Ings scored a sixth-minute winner as Burnley signed off from the Barclays Premier League with a win and finished second bottom.

Villa ended the campaign fourth bottom after another battle against the drop but face Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.

Shay Given is already a doubt for the game with a groin injury while Jores Okore could also miss out with a knee injury.

The duo missed Sunday's defeat with Okore struggling with the after-effects of a cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered in 2013.

"He is one who is training once a week. Last week he didn't train the whole week. He is a warrior who just wants to play for the club," said boss Tim Sherwood.

"If I want anyone to be in the trenches with me it would be him.

"Unfortunately the knee is too bad so he is going to need some assistance on that.

"I had a good chat with the Danish FA and told them what has been happening.

"He was assessed by them last week.

"I'm hoping not surgery but I am not sure. It is related to the ACL but the ligaments are still intact.

"His performances, particularly with this injury considered, have been excellent.

"I want him fit. Then I can make a choice."