CAPTAIN and manager were united on Saturday, as both Neale Cooper and Ritchie Humphreys sent out the same message to Adam Boyd: Keep up the good work.

Boyd came in from the cold for his first start of the season for his hometown club and his double secured Pool's eighth away win of the season.

The 21-year-old looked like he was leaving Victoria Park when he was sent out on loan at Boston.

But a permanent move failed to happen and Cooper feels Boyd is starting to mature and become the player he has been threatening to for four seasons.

Cooper said: "The pleasing thing for me about Adam was his workrate. In the past his work, or lack of work, has been his downfall. You know what I mean?

"He has done it here and there for ten minutes, but not on a consistent basis. This time he never stopped.

"If he shows that committment every week - and he did really well for us this time, dropping deep, clipping balls in, good touches and movement, tracking back - then we might have a real player on our hands.

"Near the end he tracked back and was chopped down when he won the ball because their lad was frustrated with him.

"Sometimes we have had ten minutes of magic from him and that's it, but he knows the score now.''

Boyd had not started a Pool game since March 7 last year and Cooper admitted: "He was surprised to get a chance the other night, but I saw something different in training from him.

"I think we are starting to see a different Adam Boyd now. There is a difference there.

"He not only played really well, but his workrate was good as well.

"He's set the standards, now he has to keep it going.

"Paul Robinson realised that earlier in the season when he saw Eifion (Williams) and Joel (Porter) grafting and you need that from your front players.

"Hard work starts from the front.''

Humphreys, skipper in the absence of Micky Barron who has been laid low by a virus, said: "I'm delighted for Boydy. He's got so much natural ability - something we see every day in training - and hopefully he is starting to show it.

"He was immense on Saturday.''

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