BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche said the supporters' player of the year awards dished out to Tom Heaton were 'fully deserved'.

The Clarets captain was the player most honoured at the annual supporters' shindig at Turf Moor on Tuesday night, while Michael Keane, Ben Mee and Stephen Ward also won awards on a good night for the defence.

Dyche praised the influence of his defenders this season, despite the Clarets being one shy of the 10 clean sheets they kept in the Premier League two years ago.

"Tom's been great, fully deserved. Keano, Ben and Wardy won awards as well, so fair play to all of them," he said.

"Although fan bases are not experts in the game per se, but they get a view over a season and are roundabout the truth normally, so you can trust them, and the defence has done well, and has been recognised.

"Ironically, we're one clean sheet short of two years ago, but have more goals."