Harmison has kept his place for the fourth Test

Harmison, 28, endured a miserable Ashes series and has bowled erratically in the Tests against West Indies.

But Gough told BBC Radio Five Live: "He's got 200 Test wickets and has bowled out the best teams in the world.

"He's had a bad couple of months and people are saying he's rubbish. He's awesome. That guy can go and get 300 or 400 Test wickets."

Yorkshire captain Gough, who took 229 Test wickets for England, added: "When they look down and see the name Steve Harmison, it worries the opposition."

Gough's view of Harmison's talent was echoed by another former England bowler, Dominic Cork.

Steve Harmison will be the number one world-class bowler for a long time to come Dominic Cork

"When he gets it right, he is the best in the world, up there with the likes of Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.

"He gets wickets. Somebody who has become number one in the world all of a sudden doesn't just lose talent.

"Steve Harmison will be the number one world-class bowler for a long time to come and we should get off his back and give him a chance."

However, Gough feels that Harmison's England team-mate Liam Plunkett needs to get his confidence back before facing further international opposition.

"I really rate him but he has just got to start again," said Gough.

"His confidence is just shot to bits and he needs to get back now and play some county cricket.

"I think they'll bring him back for the one-dayers but I think he needs to get some confidence back."