SCOTT HARRISON yesterday earned the praise of boss Ronnie Moore after being officially recognised for his recent efforts.

The Hartlepool United centre-half was instrumental in the upturn in fortunes that has put Pools outside the relegation zone in League Two.

And, as a result, he was named the The Football League’s Young Player of the Month for March – an award covering the three divisions outside the Premier League.

Harrison will be part of the Pools side heading south today for tomorrow’s game at Luton, as they seek three points essential in their survival fight.

Moore is certain the player will only get better, on the back of his experience gained this season.

Harrison moved to Pools on a permanent deal in January, after two previous loan spells from Sunderland.

Moore said of the former Darlington trainee: “Scott Harrison has done well and the award is deserved. He’s been a revelation for me. He can play up front or at the back and as a defender he’s done fantastically well. It’s credit to him and his family that he’s won it.

“The coaching staff have brought him on and there’s a big future in the game for him, no doubt about it.

"He knows what football is about, there's an awful lot of players at under-21 and academy level who haven't got a clue what football is about but he's been there and seen it.

"He's got pace, normally at this level they're big and strong, and I think he's good enough if he keeps learning the role, takes on board what Sam (Collins) and myself are teaching him he can play top level.

"Hopefully the bigger fish will come for him in the none-too-distant future."

Harrison recently scored his first goal, netting the winner in the victory over Cambridge last month and has been pitched up front by Moore on occasions, but it’s at the back where he’s particularly impressed.

The defender praised Pools’ coach Collins for his work on the training ground and Moore joined in the plaudits.

“What goes on at this club isn't about me, it's about the players and the backroom staff,’’ he insisted. “We have a fantastic staff here

“Sam's worked hard with him, he's a central defender, probably not as good as Scotty!

“He knows all about playing centre-back, credit to Sam, he has done a fabulous job since I've been here – and it's not only him

“We have Buster (Gallagher, physio) who is fantastic at his job, kit-man and loyal Hartlepool United supporter Marty Brown is the same.

“They are a great backroom staff and if anyone who deserves to stay in League Football it's them.’’

Moore watched Carlisle earn an unexpected point on Wednesday night at Burton, drawing 1-1 only after conceding nine minutes into added on time.

The point lifted Keith Curle’s side five ahead of Pools and they meet at Brunton Park on the final day of the season.

Moore said: “Carlisle got a point at Burton on Wedneday, so they are now five ahead of us and it makes no difference to us as we still have to win two to get past them.

“I watched the game, very strange. Carlisle scored on two minutes, then sat back and defended really well. They probably think they are just about there, but we win on Saturday and it’s open again.

“Luton and Exeter are trough games against play-off chasing teams. It shows how well Luton have done – three points off the play-offs and only won one in nine.

“It’s a tough one, but we can give them a tough game too.’’

Pools stuttered and stumbled through the first-half against Accrington on Tuesday, rescuing a point with Marlon Harewood’s 80th minute header.

They did improve in the second period and Moore said: “How are the nerves? They are nervous, everyone is in and around us and you can see by the results as no-one can put a run of results together.

“But how do you fix that? Do you need a psychiatrist or a physiologist? You try and calm them down and with three to go it’s a mini-league and about finishing top of it.

“We had no right to be in this league really because of past results, but now realistically there are three teams in it. Two will go, one will survive and let’s make sure we survive.’’