WATCH out for The Ox!

That's Peter Jackson's message to strikers in the new League One who come up against David Mirfin next season.

The 19-year-old made a massive impact when replacing Nathan Clarke as sweeper in Town's run to promotion and was a rock against Mansfield in the play-off final.

And Jackson has high hopes for the Sheffield lad who made his debut as a substitute in the final match of the club's 2002-03 relegation season, when Mel Machin was picking the team.

"I threw Mirf into the team gainst Sunderland in pre-season and at once recognised I had a talent on my hands," said Jackson, speaking from his holiday base but refusing to be drawn on potential new Town signings Chris Brandon and Leigh Bromby.

"Mirf produced one of the most unforgettable moments of our season when he went on as a striker against York, scoring one goal and making another, and he can go on to be anything he wants to be.

"He could eventually play in the Premiership, and there are more than a few strikers at our level who will know he's been around next season.

"The lads call him The Ox because he's so big, strong and quick and, at 19, he has an incredible physique.

"He could improve his distribution at times, but he would run through a brick wall for me and this club and he's a truly terrific prospect."

Mirfin made only his 20th start for Town at the Millennium Stadium.

And, come August, he will again have strong competition from Clarke for a first-team shirt.

"Our centre-back department is probably the strongest part of the team, so Mirf had to be patient earlier in the season," added Jackson, delighted with season-ticket sales which won't be totalled until later this week.

"Clarkey's injury was a disappointment to us because the unit of Yates, Sodje and Clarke was looking particularly good, but Mirf came in and has just been fabulous.

"He is huge, hence the nickname, he is strong in the air as well as on the ground and I'm totally confident that every time Mirf is defending one-on-one with an opposition striker, he is not going to be beaten."