Tom Heaton has been re-called into the England international set-up for the upcoming fixtures againt Kosovo and Bulgaria.
This follows news of a first call-up for Villa’s £26 million man Tyrone Mings.
Heaton was a prudent close season acquisition by Dean Smith, improving Villa’s limited goalkeeping department that had been steadied by back-up Jed Steer following injury to Orjan Nyland & Lovre Kalinic.
Despite an uncharacteristic howler on his home debut against Bournemouth (to concede a first minute penalty), Heaton has been both broadly welcomed and a steadying figure behind the defence.
At 33, Heaton has brough both a wealth of experience, but has also demonstrated his worth, commanding the box and pulling off a number of eye-catching saves.
The former Burnley captain will battle former team-mate Nick Pope and Jordan Pickford (Everton) for the number one jersey.