BURNLEY striker Andy Cooke today backed Stan Ternent's decision to sign Ian Wright - even though it puts his own first team place under serious threat.

Cooke admitted it felt like a dream to partner Wright up front in a new-look strike-force against Wigan on Saturday.

But after drawing a blank against the Latics, the Clarets' six-goal hit man is well aware that his place is in jeopardy once leading scorer Andy Payton returns from suspension in two games time.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old front man has hailed the arrival of the former Arsenal legend.

And he believes Wright's presence can only help his own career flourish between now and the end of the season.

"From where I've come from, Saturday was an amazing day for me," said Cooke.

"Five years ago, I never would have dreamed that I'd be playing football in the same team as Ian Wright.

"So, on a personal note, it's a great experience for me to play up front alongside him.

"I couldn't have a better centre forward to learn things off than someone like Ian Wright.

"So the fact he is here is very exciting.

"But it's also great for all the other players to train alongside him and have him around the club.

"He's not just brought a buzz around the town, it's been great for the dressing room as well."

Wright failed to find the net for the first time on his debut for a new club.

But despite the fact the strike pair drew a blank, Cooke was delighted with the way they linked up.

"I was surprised at how well it worked," said Cooke. "For instance, sometimes I hold the ball up for one touch too many.

"But on Saturday, Ian was there to take it off me and that's something I can learn from.

"I know he didn't score but you can't judge off one game.

"It was a big game and everyone had come to watch him.

"But there's 16 games to go and, if he can score a few goals, then that's brilliant for Burnley."

As for the result itself, Cooke wasn't too disappointed with a draw, despite the fact Mitchell Thomas missed a late chance to snatch what would have been three valuable points.

But with a third of the season still to play, he still believes the Clarets are in good shape for the promotion run in.

"I thought we were very unlucky because we should have gone on to win the game," said Cooke.

"But we kept another clean sheet which the gaffer is very happy about.

"And I think we proved that we are better than them and we can go on to better things.

"There's still 16 or 17 games to go and there's more than enough time to get something out of the season."

Meanwhile, Gerry Harrison has the chance to resurrect his Clarets career in a rserve team clash against Wolves at Turf Moor tonight. Harrison is currently on trial from Sunderland and would love the chance to make the move permanent.

So far, he has impressed manager Stan Ternent in training.

But the acid test will come when the Burnley chief sees him in competitive action.

"Gerry has done very well in training but we need to see how he does in a game now," said Ternent.

The squad is: Mawson, West, Brass, Heywood, Jepson, Armstrong, Smith, Mellon, Harrison, Robertson, Shandran, Maylett, Paxton, Swan, Devenney, Scott.

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