Former Wanderer James Trafford is on track to break EFL records after a remarkable season so far for the youngster.
Burnley have conceded just nine league goals since the start of the campaign and Trafford has been ever-present in that run.
The 22-year-old has kept nine successive clean sheets following Tuesday night’s 1-0 win against Oxford at Turf Moor.
Trafford has now kept 22 clean sheets in 31 appearances for the Clarets – four more than any other goalkeeper in the division – and is on course to break the EFL record of 32, which was set by Wigan in 2017/18.
Chelsea hold the current record for fewest goals conceded in a single season. Jose Mourinho’s side only let in 15 goals en route to the Premier League title in 2004/05, although the Blues played 38 league games compared to the 46 in the Championship.
Trafford made the headlines last month, saving two penalties in the space of 11 minutes to rescue a point against promotion rivals Sunderland.
After that game, head coach Scott Parker said he believes the shot stopper can become a regular for England one day.
“In terms of what we have seen from him this is a boy with absolutely humongous potential,” said Parker. “I still think there is so much more to come from him.”
“I have got nothing but positives to say about James. When I first came in there were some struggles and he came out the back of a season last year that was difficult for Traff, a young boy, going into that division, he had some hard times.
“But this is a special keeper with absolutely huge potential, you see that confidence. He believes in himself and to get to that top level you have to have that certain belief, that arrogance. He has got that and backs it up.”
Trafford was the hero for England Under-21s in the summer of 2023 as the Young Lions won the Euros, saving a spot kick from Abel Ruiz in the last minute.
That tournament followed an 18-month spell with the Whites, which had ended in play-off heartbreak against Barnsley.
Trafford got his first taste of Premier League football last season and received his first senior England call-up following an injury to Aaron Ramsdale, being named on the bench for a couple of Nations League matches.
*Stats according to Opta
