Leeds United visit Goodison Park this weekend in what could turn out to be a pivotal fixture in Everton’s season, as well as the Whites’. Both sides are stationed just above the relegation zone, with Leeds holding a four-point advantage on Saturday’s opponents at present. Speaking on an LUTV exclusive recounting Harrison’s unconventional journey to regular Premier League football, the Leeds United winger recalled his early experiences and exchanges with Lampard.
Jack Harrison said: “I remember showing up to the airport and seeing all the stars: Frank Lampard, David Villa, Andrea [Pirlo], all just in the airport and I was really starstruck, I couldn’t strike up a conversation or anything. Frank was really nice, being the only other Englishman on the team. He came up to me and started talking, he said: ‘yeah, I’ve seen you play’, and things like that. I was really fortunate to be there with him because he really took me under his wing and looked after me, really.”
Lampard has been commended for his work with young players during his short managerial career to date. Harrison is a player who clearly echoes those opinions from his own personal experience with the England centurion.
Jack Hasrison added: “When I first arrived at New York I was injured, I had a stress fracture so I was out for about four months, I think. During that time Frank Lampard was actually injured as well so I would do rehab with him and I just remember just sitting on the bike next to him and being so nervous because I’m sat next to a legend of the game.”
Leeds kick-off against Lampard’s Everton at 3pm on Saturday afternoon with Harrison expected to be named in the starting XI.
