WHEN Paul Gasgoine scored his first England goal at Wembely the former Arsenal striker Alan Smith was on the bench.
And the player turned pundit recalled: "Gazza came off the pitch and he said to me that if he did nothing else in the game at least he had achieved that feat."
Now Smith believes the arrival of the legend at Turf Moor gives a massive boost to Burnley's hopes of achieving top flight status for the first time in a quarter of a century.
"When I played with him the thing that surprised you was his pace," he said. "Taking him on in training his acceleration over five yards was frightening.
"That may have gone a bit but he still has great skills. He is a player that strikers like because he can ping the ball in to you. He has always been a very clever player.
"I think it is a great move for Burnley because everyone who comes into contact with him, loves him. He has got a great big heart and it is just a pity that he has had so many problems.
"His arrival will do wonders for team spirit because of what he is and what he has been. All the other players will love having him around."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article