Dimi leaps to Ross's defence

The Hartlepool United right back was red carded just minutes into the FA Cup fourth round tie with Brentford, leaving his side up against it.

But Konstantopoulos, who kept out the resulting penalty with a save to his right, feels Stephen Hunt was expecting the challenge to come and made the most of his opportunity.

He said: "I think the lad more wanted the penalty than Jack wanted to foul him. The ball came through into my hands.

"But it happened and we were a man down and had to change things around. It wasn't easy after that, but I thought we did well, especially effort wise.

"It was a tight game and I think the fans realised how hard we tried because they were very good to us at the final whistle.

"They know we gave 110 per cent.

"It was a difficult game anyway, even without playing with ten men. If you look at Brentford's results they are a lot of games with one goal in it, one-nil or two-one.

"They are good defenders and we knew it was going to be hard.''

Konstantopoulos provided Pool with a rare moment of joy, when he saved the penalty and admitted: "It could have been different. The penalty save might have been the difference for us, but it wasn't to be.

"In a penalty situation, the goalkeeper has nothing to lose. He can be the hero if he saves it, but if it goes in it's expected.

"I didn't know he had scored a penalty last week, so I didn't know if he had a favourite side where he puts them.

"I watched his body as he ran up and it looked like he was going to put it to my right. That was what made my mind up.''

Pool meet Luton at Victoria Park tomorrow night and the big Greek goalkeeper knows how vital the game is.

He said: "Now we have to pick ourselves up for Tuesday, but we are in a good position in the league. From now on, all our efforts are concentrated on making the play-offs. That is what our season is all about now.''

Ross misses tomorrow's game through a one-game suspension with Micky Barron expected to replace him.

Read more about Hartlepool here.