Since Dean Smith was announced as Aston Villa's new first-team manager last week there has been a new sense of optimism around the club. 

The mood had turned extremely toxic under Steve Bruce and he was sacked, perhaps harshly, after a 3-3 draw with Preston North End at Villa Park.

But with Smith, there is a sense that they have somebody in charge who will have the ability to get the best out of their attacking players.

Yannick Bolasie, Tammy Abraham and Anwar El Ghazi all arrived in the summer and alongside Jack Grealish and Jonathan Kodjia are yet to hit their full potential.

But a goalkeeper will undoubtedly still be high on Smith's wish-list with Orjan Nyland having a mediocre start to the season.

It was announced that Burnley shot-stopper Tom Heaton is thinking about leaving Turf Moor in the winter window in order to get more game time.

So here are two reasons why Dean Smith simply must move for the former England 'keeper...

The one crucial aspect that the club have lacked so far this season is reliability.

Everyone has played very well at some point this season but they have not been anywhere near reliable enough to do that week in week out.

Heaton is one of the most reliable shot-stoppers going.

Heaton has crucial experience of getting out of the second tier having done it twice with Burnley before.

If Villa hope to get to make it out of the division this season, Heaton's experience could be vital.