BURNLEY’S academy coach Craig Mawson admits he was delighted and surprised to be named the Goalkeeping Coach of the Year.

The former Clarets scholar, who joined Turf Moor as a coach in 2006, picked up the award at St. George’s Park.

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And Mawson, who is head of goalkeeping at the Clarets academy, said he was honoured to receive the award.

He said: “It was amazing to be nominated, but to win it was not something I had contemplated. I am very humbled to accept the award.

“I am very fortunate to have someone like Billy to tap into and to discuss things with.

“He exposes me to the first team environment and to work with internationals like Tom (Heaton) and Matt Gilks.”

And Mawson insists he wants to see a goalkeeper come through the ranks at the club for the first time in nearly 30 years.

“We haven’t produced our own goalkeepers and it is something that we desperately want to put right.” he added.

Mawson also earned praise for first team goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer.

“It is no surprise to anyone that Craig has been given this award,” said Mercer. “It’s an unbelievable achievement that is thoroughly deserves as he works tirelessly and is very meticulous in what he does.

“His work goes way beyond the youth team. He works all the way down to the eight-year-olds, working two, three nights a week with them and it’s a job that hasn’t gone unnoticed on our behalf certainly.”