PAUL Robinson has backed Burnley’s number one Tom Heaton to remain part of the England squad for a long time.

The former Tottenham and Leeds goalkeeper was called on to make his Clarets debut last weekend, standing in for Heaton against Manchester City as the Burnley captain missed out with a calf injury.

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That ended a run of 142 consecutive Clarets league starts for Heaton, but he is hopeful of returning this weekend.

And the 30-year-old will be determined to retain his place in the England squad the next time the Three Lions get together in March.

Heaton has won two England caps so far, but Robinson who has 42 England appearances to his name, has backed his teammate to continue adding to that number and to potentially challenge Joe Hart for the number one jersey.

“I don’t see why not. I would trust him,” Robinson said of Heaton’s No.1 chances. “Joe (Hart) is England number one at the moment but absolutely 100 per cent I would trust him if he’s given the chance.

“He’s in absolutely fantastic form, stayed clear of injury and he’s a great goalkeeper. He’s stayed in fantastic form and he’s deservedly in the England squad.

“I think he’s very good and at the top of his game at the moment. I think he can push on as well. He’s shown that he’s capable of playing for England.

“I work with him every day and pass on what I can. We’ve got a great relationship together and it works and I think it’s shown in his game. I think he can stay in the Premier League and stay in the England squad for a good, long time.

Robinson, 37, made light of a two-year absence from competitive football with a fine performance against Manchester City last weekend.

But he knows he will be back on the bench as soon as Heaton is back fit.

And it’s not a situation that Robinson is too despondent about, insisting he is loving life as number two to Heaton and enjoying passing on his years of experience to both Heaton and third choice goalkeeper Nick Pope.

“I really enjoyed being back up to Tom and passing my experience on to him. He’s doing exceptionally well,” said Robinson.

“I understand that as soon as Tom is fit he’ll come back in to the team because he’s in fantastic form and he’s the team captain. I’ve got to try and do a job while he’s not in the team.”