Harrogate Town new boy Ed Francis in no way surprised by team-mate George Thomson's Boxing Day heroics

A clinical finish in each half from the 28-year-old midfielder saw the Sulphurites come from behind to take all three points at Boundary Park on Boxing Day.

Those strikes were just Thomson's second and third of the season, however former Manchester City man Francis said that his team-mate picking out the back of the net in style is something that happens on a regular basis on the training ground.

“I’ve seen it in training, to be fair,” Francis told the Harrogate Advertiser.

“I’ve not been here long, but I’ve seen it and know he can do that, so I’m not surprised by it.

“One with the left foot, one with the right. He was just missing the header for the perfect hat-trick.

“They’re great goals and, after a disappointing result against Salford last week, it’s great to come and get all three points at a place like this.”

Francis, who walked away from Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers in October and almost joined Luton Town of the Championship before signing for Town on a free transfer earlier this month, has enjoyed a decent start to life at Wetherby Road.

The 21-year-old made his debut from the substitutes' bench as Simon Weaver's team stunned promotion-chasing Exeter City in their own back yard, and has caught the eye in the centre of the park having been included from the start against Salford City and Oldham.

He attributes his hitting the ground running to his team-mates immediately making him feel at home, and says there is still plenty more to come.

“It’s been a great start with the win at Exeter and six points from nine. It is probably more than I could have asked for when I first came in," he added.

“The lads have helped me settle in really well. It’s a good group, the camaraderie is great and the lads all bounce off each other.

“I like sitting in there as the deeper one like I did at Oldham, breaking up attacks, getting the ball back and trying to start attacks. Hopefully I can start showing off my expansive passing range.

“The gaffer said before Oldham that he wanted me to get on the ball and was telling all the lads to get me on the ball, which suits my game.

“The lads are starting to get used to me. They don’t know me fully, but they’re trusting me more and more and that can only benefit me and the team.”

In addition to his undoubted quality on the ball, Francis has already demonstrated his fondness for a big challenge, and admits that making his mark on the opposition in the tackle is something that he thoroughly enjoys.

“I do love going through people," he continued.

"I don’t score many going the other way so I need to do my bit back here and try and get the team going that way."

Francis and his Town team-mates return to action on Tuesday evening when they entertain high-flying Carlisle United at the EnviroVent Stadium, 7.45pm kick-off.