Thomas David "Tom" Heaton (born 15 April 1986 in Chester) is an English footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Cardiff City on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United.
Born in Chester, Heaton signed for Manchester United as a junior player. He made his senior team debut on 13 March 2007 as a substitute for Tomasz Kuszczak in the UEFA Celebration Match against a Europe XI.
He played in the reserve side that won the 2004–05 Barclays Premiership Reserve League North title.
At the start of the 2005–06 season, he was loaned out to Swindon Town, initially until 1st January 2006. During his time at Swindon, he played over 20 games saving a penalty on his début and described as "One for the future" by manager Iffy Onuora. He returned to Manchester United and, after the recall of Ritchie Jones from Royal Antwerp, Heaton was sent there for the rest of the season after United rebuffed an approach from Huddersfield Town.
Heaton spent the 2007–08 season with the first team squad at Manchester United, appearing on the bench when Edwin van der Sar was out due to injury. He is also a competent outfield player, having played in midfield for Wrexham's youth team.
On 23 May 2008, it was confirmed that Heaton would move to Cardiff City on loan for the 2008-09 season. Heaton was chosen as the club's first choice goalkeeper, above Finland international Peter Enckelman, for the start of the season by manager Dave Jones.
Having played for England at various youth levels, Heaton was handed his England under 21 debut in March 2008 by manager Stuart Pearce when he replaced Joe Hart as a substitute during a match against Poland U-21's.
