Parker hails Trafford as 'world class'

James Trafford makes a stunning save seconds before Burnley's first-half equaliser against Watford

Burnley boss Scott Parker hailed James Trafford as "a world-class keeper" and praised him for how he has bounced back from a difficult first season at the club.

Trafford, 22, lost his place towards the end of his debut Clarets campaign last term, which ended in their Premier League relegation under Vincent Kompany.

But he has been the best stopper in the Championship this season, and central to Burnley's remarkable defensive record as they have conceded only 14 goals and kept 29 clean sheets in 43 games.

Trafford showed his quality once again in Burnley's 2-1 win at nine-man Watford, producing three outstanding saves, including a stunning fingertip stop seconds before the Clarets equaliser and another one late on to preserve their lead.

"There's no denying at the beginning of the season, the work we all had to do with Traff and where he was, there was a lot of work," Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He needed to engage in that. He needed to take a breath and take stock and decide where he wanted to be, and to be fair to him, I've seen someone mature. There's no denying that he's a world-class keeper.

"How you judge keepers is in big moments.

"Even at the back end of the game. They're down to nine men, he's barely had anything to do. Fella hits one from 30 yards and he has to pull off a save.

"Not sleeping, diligent. He's just a top, top keeper."