Andy Monkhouse impresses in Hartlepool new striker role

Hartlepool United head coach Mick Wadsworth says Andy Monkhouse has a future at centre-forward after Saturday's 2-0 win at Scunthorpe.

The 31-year-old joined Pools as a winger from Swindon five years ago, but impressed with a goal as an unorthodox striker at Glanford Park.

"I've always thought about him as a forward," Wadsworth told BBC Tees.

"He has the attributes, he's good in the air, terrific ability on the ball, and he has got a goal in him."

Wadworth added: "As he gets older now he can't keep galloping up and down the wing forever and ever - it's a really good use of his ability."

Injuries have robbed Wadsworth of three forwards, summer signing Colin Nish, former Wolves forward Colin Larkin and James Brown.

As a result, Monkhouse's switch has been forced upon Wadsworth, who paired the Leeds-born player with forward James Poole.

"He's involved, he doesn't have to think about doing anything other than his job, and he's doing it very well,

"He's a good foil for James Poole, and I think he would be a good foil for Adam Boyd if we bring him back in.

"I think Andy is going to do a very good job for us."

Monkhouse has scored 37 goals in 235 games for Pools since joining on loan from Swindon in November 2006, a move he made permanent in January 2007.