Tom Heaton has been named in the Professional Footballers Association Championship Team of the Year.

The Chester-born goalkeeper has been recognised for another excellent campaign with his club Burnley, who are on course for an instant return to the Premier League.

Former Upton-by-Chester High School pupil Heaton helped the Clarets to a 1-0 win over Lancashire rivals Preston North End on Friday night, making it 21 games unbeaten for Sean Dyche's side.

Heaton has played every minute of every match in the league this season, conceding only 35 goals in 44 appearances.

With two games to go, Burnley lead the division on goal difference from second-placed Miiddlesbrough and Brighton & Hove Albion in third.

Heaton, who was called into the England squad for last month's friendlies with Germany and the Netherlands , began his career with Manchester United 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.

Tom Heaton was called up to the England squad in March
Tom Heaton was called up to the England squad in March

Heaton joined Burnley 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, whose mum Joan and dad Dave live in Guilden Sutton, signed a new three-year deal at Turf Moor last summer.

There was a further Chester connection at the awards with Matty Taylor, who had a successful loan spell with Chester FC during the 2013-14 season, named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year after scoring 27 goals for Bristol Rovers.

Ex-Chester loanee Matty Taylor, who has 27 goals for Bristol Rovers, was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year
Ex-Chester loanee Matty Taylor, who has 27 goals for Bristol Rovers, was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year

The 2016 PFA Awards took place at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Sunday evening.

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez was named as the PFA Player of the Year after scoring 17 goals and making 11 assists for the Premier League leaders.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli, 20, was named PFA Young Player of the Year, while Manchester City forward Izzy Christiansen won the Women's Player of the Year award and Sunderland striker Beth Mead, 20, was named Women's Young Player of the Year.

Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez poses with his PFA Player of the Year award
Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez poses with his PFA Player of the Year award