Harmison, the world's top-ranked bowler prior to the tour of South Africa, endured a wretched Test series with just nine wickets at an average of 73.

"Confidence plays a big part in fast bowling, especially after a couple of games haven't gone your way.

"It goes in spells and he's a quality bowler. He's going to take wickets sooner rather than later," Gough said.

"I don't think Harmison is doing that much wrong. He had two catches dropped on the last day of the last Test."

Harmison was retained in the one-day squad after overcoming a calf complaint, and will be available for the third match in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

But after England's attack performed so well in Sunday's win in Johannesburg, the Durham paceman knows he will not be an automatic selection.

"It is progressing nicely, and with a bit of luck I will be fit for Port Elizabeth, (but) the way the boys have bowled I might not get a game," Harmison said.

Gough also spoke out in support of James Anderson, who failed to impress in the only Test he played against South Africa.

"Jimmy will come back a lot stronger and better bowler," Gough said.

"Playing cricket is what he needs and hopefully he can get a run of games with Lancashire when the new season begins.

"But I've not seen any bowler in the world who can bowl the sort of balls he can -- they're looking as if they're going at leg-stump and then they hit off."

Gough, 34, was upbeat about his own form after returning 2-27 in the first match of the series in another solid new-ball display.

"I always have a point to prove, but not in a nasty way; hopefully it's with a bit of humour," he said.

"I keep working and even though I'm going on 35, I'm still trying to improve.

"It's the simple things you have to make sure you're doing right, because you can get a bit lazy.

"I've been working on that and I think it's been reflected in my accuracy.

"I know that once you're over 30 people want youout, but I must be doing something right because the selectors, the captain and the coach all want me in the team."

Gough, who quit Test cricket in 2003 to prolong his one-day career, aims to be a part of England's 2007 World Cup squad despite his advancing years.

"It's not that far ahead and I certainly haven't ruled it out," said Gough, England's leading one-day wicket-taker with 216 scalps.