CAPTAIN Tom Heaton is eyeing a new Clarets contract to cap a remarkable turnaround in his Turf fortunes.

The 32-year-old looked set for a Burnley exit earlier this season having lost his place to summer signing Joe Hart.

The Clarets skipper admitted that he may have to consider a January move in a bid for first team football.

Heaton had been a virtual ever present under Sean Dyche but a shoulder injury sustained at Crystal Palace 18 months ago saw him miss most of last season and the World Cup.

He picked up a minor calf injury in the summer and found himself behind Hart in the Premier League pecking order.

But the former Manchester United youngster was restored to the Clarets XI for the game against Crystal Palace in late December and has retained his top flight place since.

His impressive form helped Burnley to an eight-game unbeaten league run and although they have suffered back to back defeats since a fine win over Spurs, Heaton has earned plenty of plaudits and is in contention for an England recall when Gareth Southgate names his squad on Wednesday.

An international call, and a potential new deal, would cap a remarkable few months for Heaton whose current contract expires in 2020.

“That’s definitely something I’d be interested in if the club wanted to do it,” said the keeper.

“I think I’ve got a year left at the end of this season.

“At the moment, the focus is probably just on the football until the end of the season. It’s certainly something I would be open minded about.”

Having spent time on the sidelines, Heaton is more determined than ever to make the most of his career.

“Having missed a large portion of last season and not played in the first half of this season, you have a real hunger to get back out there,” he added.

“I want to kick on from here. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to give. I still harbour massive England ambitions, so we’ll see where it takes you.”

He added: “I’m delighted with everything. To get back in the team was the first marker. I really appreciated getting back out there, I’ve enjoyed it, I’d missed it.

“The run of performances and results, it was great to be involved in that. It’s been a nice journey so far, but I’m hoping I’ve still got a lot more to give.

“And the possibility of an England call-up, it’s out of my hands, but I’d be delighted if it comes.”

Heaton will retain his place for Burnley’s trip to title-chasing Liverpool on Sunday, a far cry from weighing up a move away from Turf Moor a matter of months ago.

“I certainly had a few question marks in my own head because I was not playing,” said Heaton.

“I had the drive and motivation to play and I might well have looked at it in January.

“I’ve certainly not hidden that fact. But I know that football can change really quickly.”