MARK Tinkler last night gave a glowing reference to the teenager who has filled his midfield place in style in recent weeks.

Since Tinkler moved into Hartlepool United's back four to compensate for the loss of Micky Nelson, Tony Sweeney has made his mark in central midfield.

Sweeney has been a regular this season in Martin Scott's title-winning reserve side and has made a seamless step into the first team in recent weeks. Both Sweeney and right back Darren Craddock have started every game of the five-match winning run which has put Pool into fifth spot.

And Tinkler is full of praise for the duo. He admitted: "Cradds has been brilliant at the back in the last few games. He's only a young lad, but looks confident.

"And Sweens is the same in midfield. I think he might have been a little bit unlucky the last couple of seasons. I remember him starting last season at Carlisle, but he hasn't featured much since.

"Credit to him because he has worked hard in the reserves and in training and he has made the most of this chance.''

Pool can clinch a play-off place on Saturday when champions Plymouth visit Victoria Park.

And Tinkler added: "It's all to play for and it's exciting.

"At the start of the season we would have settled for staying up, but we have pulled some great results and performances out of the bag and when we go away from home, we are very confident.

"Our away form has really pushed us on into the top six.''

Pool have won a club record ten games on the road this season and have scored more times than anyone else in the division.

Regular defender Micky Nelson made a return from injury in the last 15 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win at Rushden after missing five games with a foot injury.

Nelson has been a rock and normal defensive partner Chris Westwood admitted: "Tinks has slotted in at the back no problem, but we haven't had any problems there all season. We were OK with Nelse coming in and now with Tinks slotting in there as well.

"It's like he has been there all the time. He reads the game well and is good on the ball anyway because he is a midfielder. It's just a case of making sure you don't get caught out.''

Pool's reserve side meet York at Victoria Park this afternoon in the final game of the Pontins Holiday's Reserve League. They will be presented with the championship on Saturday.

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