MAN for all seasons Gerry Harrison is flourishing under the new leadership of Adrian Heath.

The Turf Moor utility star collected the plaudits for his assured and measured performances against Blackpool and Swindon Town.

But Harrison's development at the heart of the Clarets defence comes as no revelation to the Turf Moor player-manager.

"I used to think that he underachieved a little bit for the very obvious talent that the boy has," explained Heath.

"He has Premiership ability.

"It is up to us to make sure that Gerry Harrison delivers the type of performance that he has done in the last few games.

"He has so much to offer as a footballer.

"The main thing is that he is in a confident mood.

"He is happy with his form at the minute and that is good."

It marks a reversal of fortunes for a player who was set to be discarded when former boss Jimmy Mullen placed him on the transfer list following a pre-season bust-up with Harrison.

Mullen accused Harrison of showing a poor attitude in training and the decision to transfer list the player was made following the 3-0 Marsden Cup defeat to Wigan when Harrison featured as a substitute.

But those indifferent days appear to behind Harrison now for a player who played for Watford, Bristol City, Cardiff and Herford before joining the Clarets in August 1994.

Heath explained: "He is a utility player, which always gives a manager an added option.

"He can play anywhere across the back four and can play anywhere in midfield equally as comfortably.

"I said to him at the training ground the other day that he has now got to look at delivering on a regular basis. He is still only 23 and is a relative youngster.

Heath added: "I've always had a good relationship with the lad and, if he keeps making progress, as I know he is capable of, then he has the potential to go to the very top."

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