James Trafford has earned praise after keeping the first clean sheet of his Premier League career.

The young Cumbrian goalkeeper impressed as Burnley thrashed rivals Sheffield United 5-0.

It was another landmark moment in Trafford's career after his step up to regular top-flight football this campaign.

It has been a challenging season so far for the 21-year-old and his newly-promoted team-mates - but the heavy victory at Turf Moor was a day to remember.

"The big performance was Traff," said Burnley frontman Jay Rodriguez, speaking to the BBC.

"I thought he was man of the match - he controlled the tempo."

News and Star: Trafford in action against Sheffield UnitedTrafford in action against Sheffield United (Image: PA)

England Under-21 keeper Trafford enjoyed a positive day as his outfield team-mates ran riot thanks to goals from Rodriguez, Jacob Bruun Larsen, Zeki Amdouni, Luca Koleosho and Josh Brownhill.

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany said former Manchester City man Trafford and his team-mates would benefit from their strong showing.

"This league is unforgiving. It is tough to keep clean sheets. This is the first one. It is good for the keeper, the defenders - and goals are good for the strikers," he added.

Trafford, from Greysouthen, has played in all 14 of Burnley's Premier League games so far.

They sit 19th in the table after picking up their first home win since promotion.

Trafford's fellow Cumbrian Premier League keeper Dean Henderson, meanwhile, is hoping to return to action before the new year.

Reports in London say the Whitehaven star is on track to return from a thigh injury soon.

Henderson suffered the injury on his first appearance for Crystal Palace following his summer transfer window move.

He went down after 19 minutes of a Carabao Cup defeat at his former club Manchester United.

The 26-year-old former Carlisle United academy keeper, upon his return, will face a fight to force his way past Sam Johnstone in the Eagles' goal.