Former Wanderer James Trafford admits there have been “tough times” during his first season as a Premier League goalkeeper - but believes it will help him grow.

The youngster arrived joined Burnley from Manchester City last summer as the Clarets were preparing for life back in the top flight.

Trafford made 28 appearances before losing his place to Aro Muric for the final months of the campaign as the Clarets were relegated under Vincent Kompany, who has since left to take charge at European giants Bayern Munich.

“The first time I actually touched the ball in the Prem was picking the ball out of the back of the net from (Erling) Haaland,” Trafford told Farmers Weekly. “Talk about a difficult introduction!

“It’s the best league in the world for a reason, every game is so tough. The talent in the league is unbelievable - bigger than anyone can understand unless you’ve played in it.

“They weren’t always good experiences, there were a lot of tough times. But you grow the most in the tough times, I honestly wouldn’t have changed anything for the world.”

Trafford was called up by England for the first time in March after impressing for the Under-21 side in recent seasons.

He was also included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man Euro squad but didn’t get the nod when it was trimmed down to 26, with Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson making up the goalkeeping department.

“There was a little bit of disappointment that I had not been picked, but the three goalies who are going are massively talented,” the 21-year-old reflected.

“Hopefully, the experience will help me when the next major tournament comes round in two years’ time.”

Trafford grew up working on his parents’ farm in Cumbria and believes his upbringing has helped him handle the challenges of being a professional footballer.

“Being a goalkeeper is tough. You’re the only one who wears a different coloured kit - even that on its own, you stand out,” he said.

“Like farming, goalkeeping can be a really lonely place. But it’s also a really good position on the pitch because you have that sense of importance and you try to keep everything together.

“You’re the base of it all, like a quarterback. Especially how we played at Burnley, a lot of our patterns of play started with the goalkeeper.”