Teenage star can handle a big step up with Terriers
FAST forward to a transfer window three or four years down the line and Town might well be taking millions for a young striker already on the books.
When Danny Cowley took charge at the John Smith’s Stadium, it didn’t take him long to work out that Kian Harratt wasn’t your ordinary, everyday 17-year-old striker prospect.
Town see big potential in this emerging frontman, who hit 26 goals in 31 games for Town’s Under-17 side and a further six playing for the Under-19s last season.
That’s why the boss handed him a first professional contract until the end of next season just 24 hours before naming him on the bench for the match at Brentford at the beginning of November when Steve Mounie was suffering a foot injury.
Cowley, wisely, didn’t tell the Barnsley-raised player he was in the matchday 18 until the end of the journey down to London, but he took it all in his stride – just like he did when making his debut as a substitute in the defeat to Leeds United at the John Smith’s a month later.
That appearance made Harratt the second-youngest Town player ever at second-tier level, behind the legendary Denis Law.
Having blooded Harratt at senior level, Cowley soon realised the player needed regular senior football and set up a loan to National League Harrogate Town, who are chasing promotion under boss Simon
Weaver.
Harratt has made four league appearances so far, in addition to playing in the West Riding County Cup against Guiseley for a Harrogate side which includes another striker who was brought up under the arches of the John Smith’s before going on to make a career at the highest level. Jon Stead was popular in two spells as a Terrier and he’s been impressed with what he’s seen of Harratt, especially with his shooting and his finishing.
“Every chance he gets he takes his shot early and his ratio for hitting the target has been above what you would expect for someone his age,” said Stead.
“He’s been strong and more reliable when holding the ball up.
“I can see him developing it in training and having to hold the ball up against strong, big lads at centrehalf is only going to improve him even more.
“You are always wondering at that age if they can make the step up and deal with the pressures, physicality and all the other things that go along with National League football.
“He is somebody that can totally handle that.”