SIZE isn't everything.

Look at Peter Crouch, who despite his towering height is struggling to get his Liverpool career off the ground.

Meanwhile, 5ft 4in Nathan Dyer is proof that good things often come in small packages.

A goal on his Burnley debut last month instantly endeared the 17-year-old rookie to the Turf Moor faithful. And following another eye-catching performance in his first start at Leeds in midweek, supporters are now hoping that Steve Cotterill can pocket the pint-sized striker on an extended loan deal from Southampton.

"I'd like him to stay a little bit longer," admitted the Burnley boss, who could hand Dyer his first Turf Moor start against Crewe tomorrow.

"I've already put in a call to Harry and certainly we're hopeful that the loan can be extended for another month.

"I'd like to keep him all season if I can, but for now we've almost got to an agreement for another month. I'm just waiting for confirmation on that."

Cotterill revealed he was happy with his hand as yesterday's Football League loan transfer deadline came and went with no further action.

"If you asked me whether I could get someone else in or else have Nathan, I'd take Nathan," added the Clarets chief.

"I really like him and I'm smiling as I'm picturing him now. There's just something about him. He's infectious, he doesn't give anything for reputations and doesn't give anyone on the field any respect.

"He's very small, but he's got a big heart and it's probably because he's so small that I take to him.

"He could walk under the door with a top hat on and wouldn't knock it off, but I love him and as long as he is looked after in the right way, which I'm sure he is at a great club like Southampton, I hope he goes on to have a big, big future in the game."

Meanwhile, Cotterill paid tribute to the unique job that Dario Gradi has done at Crewe. The country's longest serving manager is now in his 22nd year in charge at Gresty Road, where the conveyor belt of talent that has passed through the club is longer than Crouch's inside leg measurement.

And Cotterill feels his achievements are so great they may never be equalled

"I did my pro-licence with Dario, so we have a good relationship and, I would imagine, a healthy respect for each other," he revealed.

"What he's done at Crewe is magnificent and phenomenal and I don't think it will ever be done again.

"He brought lots of young players through and the only reason they are able to compete, I suppose, is that they are able to sell players.

"It's all credit to him because their club is run magnificently."