Profile

Rating 8/10

PROFILE

Having sprung to the attention of the nation during the 1997/98 season, United's 'Wizard of Oz', proved undoubtedly that it was no flash in the pan , with a superb second campaign for Leeds, which ended with a fourth place finish in the Premiership and a place in the UEFA Cup.

Now courted by top clubs all over Europe, Harry remains loyal to Leeds and is ready to sign a new five year contract.

Sydney born Harry was originally given his debut in the 1995/96 season, as a 17 year old, by Howard Wilkinson, but as George Graham bedded in the following season Harry's progress was held up as the boss set his sights on Premiership survival, rather than giving youth it's head, and Kewell whom Leeds had recruited from the New South Wales Soccer Academy and was already a full Australian international, was limited to just a single substitute appearance.

Then a pre-season injury, that was to rule Lee Sharpe out for the whole season, gave Harry the opportunity that he'd been waiting for, and he grabbed it with both hands.

Breaking into the side as a left winger Harry showed startling pace and trickery, and importantly bags full of confidence.

Having shown an eye for goal, he briefly kept Jimmy Hasselbaink out of the attack in the autumn, and then as Rod Wallace's magnificent start to the season petered out, it was Kewell who was increasingly used as Jimmy's strike partner.

The only dark cloud on an otherwise wonderful footballing horizon for Harry, seems to be the club's frosty relations with the Australian FA.

Soccer Australia, infuriated Leeds with a series of call ups for what were seen as meaningless tournaments, and when Kewell was pulled out of a three game tournament with Brazil by the club, claiming the youngster was injured, the Aussies secured a FIFA ban on Harry that ruled him out of Leeds action for the duration of the competition.

Having netted 8 goals from 32 starts in his first season, Harry went one better last time and there are bound to be more ahead, as he continues to improve in every department.

STATS
Playing Position
Midfield
Date of Birth
22nd September 1978
Birthplace
Smithfield
Height
5'11"
Club
Leeds
Signed from
NSW Soccer Academy
Rating
8/10
International Honours
Australian International
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