JACK Ross might have got his new career off to a winning start on Saturday, but Hartlepool United's new boy was just glad and relieved to get the day over.

Ross impressed in a somewhat unfamiliar right-back role at Victoria Park as Pool got the better of Bradford City in the League One opener.

The Scot, as assured and relaxed on the pitch as he is off it, is enjoying life in the North-East after swopping Clyde and the Scottish First Division for Pool.

He will be part of the Pool side taking on Brian Little's Tranmere tonight at Prenton Park.

"I am glad Saturday is out of the way now - and I don't mean that in a bad way,'' he admitted.

"It was my debut, I was up early in the morning, it seemed to drag on a bit, we got out there for the warm up and I just wanted the game to start.

"We came out to a lot of noise and I got a great reception from the fans before the game which I appreciated.

"I was quite pleased with my game. I can give a little bit more going forward and defensively isn't my strongest point, but I was quite happy with the way it went.''

Ross skippered Clyde to the verge of the Scottish Premier League last season, mainly from the centre of the park.

The 28-year-old said: "I've played right-back before and it's probably not my normal position now, but I think I was happy overall and I know there is still more to come.

"It was good to play alongside the other lads. We have two good centre-halfs and I think both Hugh (Robertson) and myself are comfortable on the ball out wide as well.

"All in all it was a good day, a good start and the sun was shining - you can't ask for any more than that!"

Pool are renowned for the strength of togetherness among the Victoria Park squad and Ross, settled in the area after moving to County Durham, didn't take long to realise.

He said: "It was a good start on Saturday for everyone.

"There was a great atmosphere and when the team went a goal behind, we showed how hard everyone can work for each other to come back.

"I've realised from day one here that, while it might be a tight squad in terms of numbers, it is also tight in togetherness - everyone works for each other.

"It was disappointing in the way Bradford scored on Saturday, especially as a back four. It might be one of those which shows up a mistake on the video, but at the time it looked offside.

"From there, we came back strongly and went onto win the game and got off to a flyer.''

Tonight's game is likely to be played in humid conditions, with temperatures expected to be around the 20 degree mark.

Saturday's opener was also a hot affair and Ross, nicknamed Bassy by his teammates give his likeness to former Pool defender Jon Bass, said: "It was tough going in the heat and the game never let up.

"They went in front, we came back to win it, so the game never really died - there was no team a few goals up, so it never eased.

"But I've played a quick pace in Scotland and, by and large, it was pretty much the same.

"It's a very busy start for us, we have three games quickly and a number of games this month. Tranmere are among the favourites, they have signed a number of players and I understand they ended the season well last year.

"It's all a bit new to me and I am relying on the other lads here to help me, but I know they have signed Jason McAteer and he is a name people recognise straight away.

"But we don't fear anyone. From what Hartlepool achieved last season we have earned respect.

"This team can go anywhere and not worry.''

Pool (probable): Provett, Ross, Nelson, Westwood, Robertson, Williams, Tinkler, Sweeney, Humphreys, Boyd, Porter. Subs (from): Konstantopoulos, Strachan, Clarke, Istead, Betsy, Craddock, Robson

Read more about Hartlepool here.