James Tarkowski admits Tom Heaton’s departure left a gap at Turf Moor when he ended his six-year stay this summer.
But the Clarets’ defender believes the rest of the squad have been able to fill that void as he prepares for a reunion with the former skipper at Aston Villa on Saturday.
“It will be a bit strange,” said Tarkowski of the prospect of lining up against his one-time team-mate with club and country.
“Heats was a massive part of our group for so long and our leader, to be honest. He was the man everyone went to if they had a problem or needed to talk about anything.