ADRIAN Heath has never disguised his enormous admiration for Dario Gradi's labour at the Crewe Alexandra soccer academy.

And Heath is certain the English game can learn and prosper from Gradi's blueprint.

It is a project which launched David Platt, Rob Jones, Ashley Ward, Geoff Thomas, and Craig Hignett onto the Premiership and world stage.

Tonight, though, Heath pits his wits against Gradi as Burnley lock horns with Crewe in his fourth game as Burnley's player-manager.

"I'm a tremendous admirer for what Dario Gradi has done and achieved at Crewe Alexandra. I have great respect for the man," Heath explained.

"The greatest compliment I can pay Dario Gradi is that when people talk of youth policies then they immediately mention Crewe.

"I was born in the Potteries, close to Crewe, and I know that thought would have been considered a joke 10 years ago.

"Now, all of a sudden, Crewe have got a youth system which is the envy of most of the country.

"Although Dario has got a big budget for his youth system, he has done it with gates hovering around the 3-4,000 mark. That is an amazing feat.

"That is something other clubs and the rest of the country should be looking at.

"He is also an expert in bringing footballers in which others clubs have discarded and did not think would make the grade. He works on their talent and develops their understanding and perceptions of the game."

The Clarets face a Crewe team suffering their poorest form dip of the season. The 3-1 defeat at Peterborough United marked a third Division Two defeat in a row for the Alex.

From favourites to grab an automatic promotion berth after a 1-0 win at Turf Moor a month ago, Crewe are sliding out of contention towards a play-off spot.

But Heath knows there is enough talent in abundance in Gradi's side to test Burnley to the limit tonight.

"Crewe are having a little bit of a difficult time because they have lost three of their most influential players recently," added Heath.

"Neil Lennon (sold to Leicester) made them tick and Rob Edwards (sold to Huddersfield), is a very good goal-scorer. I also believe Martyn Booty, who moved to Reading earlier in the season, was also a big influence. I know they have missed him because he had great respect in the dressing room.

"But Dario's teams all play football how the majority of people want to see the game played. It should be an attractive contest tonight.

"I am quietly confident that Burnley can go there and give another good account of ourselves."

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