Dean Smith: Unflappable Tom Heaton a perfect fit for Aston Villa

The 33-year-old England international faces his former club on Saturday for the first time since making an £8million switch to the Midlands.

Villa considered moves for a number of other goalkeepers, including Stoke City’s Jack Butland, after winning promotion to the Premier League.

But boss Smith claims Heaton emerged as the standout due to his character and experience.

He said: “Tom made a big contribution at Burnley in the top league and has experience in the national squad.

“Richard O’Kelly knew him because he had worked with him at Bristol City. The number of character references we had on him, we knew he was the right fit for our dressing room, especially with the integration of a lot of new players.

“He made a mistake in our first home game against Bournemouth in front of the Holte End after 50 seconds but since then he has been Mr Dependable – he is unflappable. He is very well liked in the dressing room.”

Smith is confident Villa’s belief remains intact despite a tough week which saw them take just one point from matches against West Ham and Arsenal, despite both opponents having a man sent-off.

But the boss acknowledged his players have perhaps been too easily knocked off their gameplan.

He explained: “I think we have shown our inexperience at times and come off (the gameplan) rather than stick to what has been giving us joy.

“We have players who can hurt any team and have a good structure about us which gives other teams problems.

“Keep doing it. I am a big believer that if you are a goal up, go for the second. I have felt, not at home, but away we have dropped off a bit when we have taken the lead. Maybe that is a subconscious thing.

“There has been no problem with our confidence or belief.”