ADAM BOYD has been urged to repeat his first leg heroics to ensure Hartlepool United reach a play-off final for the first time.

The call from Pool's caretaker boss Martin Scott, ahead of tonight's trip to Prenton Park, arrived at the same time as Tranmere manager Brian Little demanded striker Iain Hume does a Boyd in the return fixture.

The Victoria Park fans' favourite proved the difference on Friday night when he struck the two goals - his 28th and 29th of a productive campaign - to put his team in the driving seat for a trip to the Millennium Stadium.

Scott was left unfazed by Boyd's wonder show against Rovers.

And now the 37-year-old, who admits there is a determination at Pool to keep hold of their prize asset during the summer, wants to see his 22-year-old top-scorer turn on the style on Merseyside tonight.

"Adam showed what a great player he is. But I have told him to his face that he has to show more consistency," said Scott.

"Not only does he have ability, he has worked his socks off in recent games and that's not something he always does.

"He showed tremendous workrate in the first leg and we want that again. Ability wise he can definitely play at a higher level it's just finding that consistency. The chairman Ken Hodcroft wants to keep the best players and he is one of them."

Despite being two goals down, Tranmere manager Little has eyes on a fightback and is convinced his own promising striking talent can lead the way.

Canadian international Hume has struck 16 goals in Tranmere's rise to third in League One but is without a goal in six matches.

But Little, the former Darlington chief, insists the 21-year-old can deliver a performance just like Boyd's awe-inspiring display in Friday night's gripping battle.

"Hartlepool looked more dangerous up front than we did on Friday and that was mainly down to Adam Boyd," said Little.

"Adam is a good player and has scored a lot of good goals this season. "We have Iain Hume who has been sparkling this season at home and - perhaps a little like Hartlepool - maybe it will be Iain on Tuesday.

"We will be looking to Iain and hopefully he can show the sort of form to his fans which Adam showed in the first leg."

Despite trailing Little is far from downbeat and has challenged his men to make up for Friday's failings by coming from behind to make the trip to Cardiff.

"Hartlepool have got the upperhand but we have beaten a lot of teams 2-0 at home and we will be up for it,'' he said. "We know Hartlepool will be pumped up for it because they have a massive thing to go for and it's something for them to hold on to."

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