CHRIS Brass has proved a silver lining for Burnley this season.

One of Burnley's most consistent performers since his first team run began against Mansfield in the Coca-Cola Cup second leg in early September, Brass is making his name as a ferocious competitor.

And his emergence in the centre-back role at Turf Moor arrives as no surprise to coach Terry Pashley who has also seen his former pupils Paul Weller and Paul Smith graduate to the senior stage.

Pashley's wealth of experience and the encouragement of reserve chief Harry Wilson has nurtured Brass through the youth ranks and influenced his progression to the professional ranks.

"I'm not all surprised at the progress of Chris Brass because he has a tremendous heart for a battle," explained Pashley.

"Regardless of what team he is playing for, whether it is the A, B or first team, he gives his all.

"You know what you are going to get with Chris Brass. He is a very honest performer who will always relish the challenge.

"He is also a very good marker and reads the game well. Most of all, though, he is a consistent personality.

"He gives his all in training, just like he does in a match-day situation. The hardest part for any young professional is to retain your shirt once you have broken through.

"Chris is not frightened of that challenge. There will be a lot of competition for him but he has proved that he can handle it."

Remarkably, Brass has barely 20 full league appearances under his belt at Burnley since he made an assured league debut in the left back against Millwall in April 1995, four months short of his 20th birthday. But the potential was always there in abundance. A product of the gifted Durham County youth side, Chris played alongside Leeds' Mark Tinkler, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ben Roberts and Adam Reed of Blackburn Rovers.

He later spent a useful loan spell at Torquay United where Don O'Riordan was so impressed with his contribution at Plainmoor he tried to buy him.

Now, with fresh injuries to Vince Overson and Peter Swan, Brass is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up for tonight's Second Division derby at Bury.

Manager Heath observed: "He's improving all the time as a footballer. He knows the part of his game which he needs to improve.

"He's come into the side and shown everybody that he is a good defender. First and foremost he defends very well.

"He needs to tidy up on his distribution at times. He knows that. But Chris can be well pleased with the games he has played in the first team, especially at home against Wycombe and Blackpool. "They were pressure games on the back of three defeats, yet Chris responded really well.

"He has proved he can deal with the likes of Tony Ellis and Andy Preece in a big match scenario. The bottom line is that if you are playing well then you'll keep your place. Chris has done that and he's kept his shirt."

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