Tom Heaton: This is what Jack Grealish said to me about 'incredible' Burnley player

The two keepers played together at Turf Moor until 2019, when Heaton left to join the Villans.

Since then, the 34-year-old has been blighted by poor luck in terms of his fitness, and is yet to make a top flight appearance for Dean Smith’s side this term.

By contrast, Pope has been a mainstay of Sean Dyche’s starting XI this term, and has appeared in all but one of Burnley's Premier League matches so far.

The Clarets man kept a clean sheet against defending champions Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday evening to help his side to an impressive 1-0 victory.

Speaking before that match, Heaton was quick to wax lyrical about his former teammate, and in particular, his proficiency at keeping the ball out of the back of the net.

“When there's plenty of action to go around, it’s an opportunity for him to showcase his skills”, he told Sky Sports.

"One thing that has made him an outstanding performer for Burnley and put him in amongst the England squad is his shot-stopping ability.

"He was incredible with that when he came to the club. He got better and better.

"Interestingly, when Jack Grealish came back from his first England squad, one of the first things he said was how difficult it is to get the ball past him.”