TEACHER Dan Crutchley has called on pupil Harry Cornick to continue his education both in the classroom and on the pitch – by staying at Hurn Bridge .

Cornick has burst on to the scene with some dazzling displays for this season, attracting the attention of scouts from Southampton, Reading, Stoke and Cherries .

Both Poole Town and Dorchester Town of the Conference South have made seven-day approaches for the wonderkid, as well as financially stricken Portsmouth lodging official interest.

But influential Priory centre-half Crutchley, who has taught Cornick at Poole Grammar School, feels a measured approach is essential for the Priory protégé to realise his potential.

Hurn Bridge captain Crutchley told the Daily Echo: “Once he completes his studies and gets his grades, the world is his oyster and he can make his choice.

“He has had lots of offers to go on trial, but at the moment that is all they are, so his education is important.

“If he goes elsewhere (in non-league) and under-performs slightly, which he will do because he’s a 17-year-old lad, people may get on his back. If he goes through a low period we’ll support him whereas other clubs might not have that approach.

“He’s going to have a career in the game whether it is this year or in the future, so I don’t think there is any rush.”

Meanwhile, Priory boss Graham Kemp said that he was confident that Cornick would be staying at Christchurch for the short term at least, adding: “If every player was honest, come 3pm on a Saturday they forget about the wages and they just want to play a game of football. Harry is no different.”