Tom Heaton has revealed that he is ready to return to action for Burnley following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper has not played for the Clarets' first team since September, but he has been working his way back to fitness following shoulder surgery.

Heaton has played four matches with the Under-23s and now feels ready to challenge Nick Pope, who has impressed in between the sticks since taking over from his injured teammate.

"On the back of an injury you're desperate to get back playing," the Lancashire Telegraph quotes Heaton as saying. "It's been a few long, hard months in the gym and in the physio room, so I'm delighted to be back out on the grass and I think that sort of ticks the box in playing games now.

"It feels good and I'm pleased to be playing. I'll probably speak to the manager and to the physios, but in terms of where I feel, I feel sharp and ready to go and the arm feels superb."

Heaton has been a Burnley player since 2013 when he signed from Bristol City.