THE fact that Isaiah Ranking didn't appear to have a care in the world as he tormented the Burnley defence last week says a lot for the young man's dedication and determination.

The Bradford City striker had been so concerned over the health of his six-month old daughter that he initially postponed his loan move to the Reebok. It was only when Sam Allardyce promised him 'compassionate leave' to be with his family in London that he finally agreed.

He had also had concerns over his own fitness too. In fact fitness has been something nagging at the back of his mind for some time.

"I'm not injury prone but I seem to have had problems ever since I went to Bradford," says the former Arsenal rookie whose £1.3 million transfer two years ago set a then club record for the Bantams.

"I don't seem to have been able to get going. I was out at the beginning of last season for 14 weeks with a torn hamstring and it was hard to come back from that.

"You're always worrying whether it's going to go again. It's taken me a bit of time to get a bit of confidence back in my body but that seems to be okay now."

Rankin is resigned for some time to having no future at Valley Parade but he could have a future at the Reebok, if first impressions are anything to go by.

There's no doubting his determination, judging by the reaction from the Burnley camp to what looked like an open and shut penalty case. Clarets' defender Ian Cox didn't seem to have an argument when his desperate tackle brought down the pacy Rankin inside the box. But Stan Ternent claimed his man had been fouled in the chase.

Nice to hear! Looks like Sam Allardyce has found a striker with a bit of a mean streak!