TOM Heaton has backed defender Michael Keane to hit double figures this season.

The 22-year-old centre half is not only establishing himself in Burnley’s back four following captain Jason Shackell’s exit, but he is setting the pace in the goals for column too.

The former Manchester United youngster is top scorer with three - all headers from set pieces.

And while he is soon expected to be overtaken when the strikers hit top gear, Heaton sees no reason why Keane can’t take the pressure off them by hitting at least a top 10.

“He’s a big lad, jumps very well, strong, he attacks the ball very well, which is something I noticed when he signed,” said the Burnley goalkeeper, who is on international duty with England this week.

“He’s managed to get on the end of them a few times since I’ve been here.

“To get goals from different areas of the pitch is something we certainly want to try to do.

“I’ll have no problem if he trots up there if the ball’s in their half for free kicks and corners and hopefully gets himself on the end of it.”

Heaton is equally pleased to see Keane filling Shackell’s shoes and settling into the side.

“Keano to be fair got a good few tastes of it last season. He’s got a fantastic pedigree and I think he’s bedded in really well this season,” said the stopper.

“He’s come in and done really well and that partnership with Duffo (Michael) has looked rock solid so far and it can only get better and stronger.”

And Heaton believes rather than finding the international break disruptive after going into it with back-to-back wins, Burnley will be ready to pick up where they left off.

“It depends which way you look at it. We can regroup and be stronger the next time it comes about,” he said.

“We always try to look at things positively. The manager reminded us this week about the one game at a time mentality and getting back to that and focusing on what’s right in front of us.

“The break allows us a bit of time to tighten a few things up and get the focus on the game after that.”

Burnley, who went up with 19 shut-outs in their promotion season of 2013/14, have kept one clean sheet from the first five Championship games.

But at this early stage Heaton says it is just about ticking boxes.

“I think so, especially after the first three games in the league, not winning. It adds a bit more on it. Whether you like it or not, in football that’s the way it goes,” he said.

“I was pleased that everyone came through against Brentford and got the 1-0. We were rock solid at the back and created quite a few chances so it was nice to have that under our belt. We can certainly build on these things and hopefully have a bit more freedom to go and perform.”