Chester-born Tom Heaton has been called into the England squad for the upcoming friendlies with Germany and the Netherlands.

The Burnley captain replaces Joe Hart after the Manchester City keeper injured his calf during yesterday's 1-0 defeat to rivals Manchester United.

Former Upton-by-Chester High School pupil Heaton, 29, has been in fine form for the Clarets this season, keeping 15 clean sheets for the Championship leaders.

Roy Hodgson’s men travel to face Germany in Berlin on Saturday at the Olympiastadion and then host the Dutch at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday as part of their preparations for UEFA European Championships in France this summer.

Heaton received his first international call-up in May 2015 and has been a regular in the England squad since then, although has still to win his first cap.

Tom Heaton training with the England squad at St Georges Park following his call up in May 2015
Tom Heaton training with the England squad at St Georges Park following his call up in May 2015

He was initially overlooked for the games against Germany and the Netherlands with Stoke City's Jack Butland and Southampton's Fraser Forster selected ahead of him.

Heaton, whose mum Joan and dad Dave live in Guilden Sutton, began his career with Manchester United, whom he joined as an 11-year-old.

He was loaned to six different clubs during his time at Old Trafford before moving to Cardiff City in 2010 and then Bristol City.

Heaton joined Burnley - the club his dad supports - in summer 2013 and played a key role in helping the the Turf Moor club secure promotion to the Premier League.

Although the Clarets were relegated at the end of last season, Heaton signed a new three-year deal at Turf Moor last summer.