TOM Heaton is relishing the extra responsibility that comes with being Burnley captain.

The 29-year-old was given the armband in pre-season following the acrimonious departure of Jason Shackell to Derby County.

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And Heaton, who passed 18 games as skipper in the 2-2 draw at former club Cardiff City on Saturday, said he was easing his way into the job this term.

“It’s been great, I’ve really enjoyed it,” said the England goalkeeper of the added responsibility that comes with the armband.

“The great thing is we’ve got a fantastic dressing room, there’s a great atmosphere and a great culture among the squad so not an awful lot to do in that sense.

“I’m trying to just ease into it really, nothing’s really changed. Obviously the focus is still on performing from my point of view, making sure that’s right, and then just trying to add little things in and try to push the boundaries like that.

“It’s just a different way of thinking and looking at it from my point of view - additional things to look at, but I am enjoying it.”

Heaton is determined to add to that never-say-die culture at Turf Moor, which was once again evident as the Clarets rescued a point at the Cardiff City Stadium from what looked a hopeless cause as they trailed 2-0 with five minutes to go.

Goals from Rouwen Hennings and a Matthew Connolly own-goal meant Heaton and his teammates travelled back to East Lancashire with an unexpected point that keeps them fifth in the Championship.

That extended Burnley’s unbeaten run to just one defeat in 15 games, and only Brighton have avoided defeat more often than the Clarets in the Championship this season.

“It’s something the manager instils in everyone, from top to bottom,” the captain said of the importance of avoiding defeats.

“That gives you a foundation in any game, if you’re tough to play against, tough to beat, you’ve got a great chance of winning the game and certainly get something out of it.

“We don’t go into any games looking to draw, we look to try to win the game, but that’s the sort of first basis we look for, that foundation in the game, and it’s stood us in great stead in the Championship since I’ve been here.”

Burnley’s return to this level got off to a shaky start as they failed to win any of their first four games in all competitions this term, but since then they have lost just once and that ability to respond to adversity has pleased Heaton.

“You’re not going to get it all your own way all the time, the important thing is over a period of time that you’re doing the right thing more often than not, and that brings the results you require,” he said.

“That’s the blueprint we’ve used since I’ve worked for the manager here and it’s stood us in really good stead.”