Harry Bunn's recent headline-hogging performances have come as no surprise to fellow Huddersfield Town development squad product Tommy Smith.

Both came through the Manchester City youth system under the guidance of current Town first-team coach Steve Eyre, who was instrumental in bringing them to the John Smith’s Stadium.

Former Town development chief Eyre has long known of Bunn’s ability and potential, signing him on loan from City when he was manager of Rochdale and handing him a senior debut at 18.

That came in the League I clash at MK Dons in November 2010, and there were further loan spells at Preston, Oldham, Crewe and Sheffield United before he joined Town 11 months ago.

Bunn’s first appearance in the first-team squad came against today’s hosts Ipswich at Portman Road last December, when Smith was starting to establish himself in the side.

But the 21-year-old frontman had to wait until March to make the first of three substitute appearances in the Championship last season at home to Blackburn.

Eyre, this time working alongside caretaker manager Mark Lillis, was again key when Bunn made his first Town start at Reading in August.

His protege, who had come off the bench in the previous game at Cardiff, responded with Town’s second goal in a 2-1 win, and there have been 10 more starts and four further goals.

Two of them, his first goals at home, came in last Saturday’s 4-2 win over Blackpool.

“It’s no surprise to me,” said versatile 22-year-old defender Smith, who has made 38 starts and one substitute appearance for Town.

“Having played alongside Harry at City, I’ve known all along what he’s about. He just needed the opportunity to play. It’s been given to him and he’s done brilliantly.”

Smith’s sentiments are echoed by Town midfielder Conor Coady, who played against Bunn when he was coming through the ranks at Liverpool.

“He had niggly injuries, but hopefully he’s past that now,” said Coady.

“Harry goes inside, outside, he can shoot and cross. He’s got the lot!”