IT'S been hard to tell Matty Robson has been played out of position this season; this afternoon the Hartlepool United teenager is ready to show what he really can do.

After 19 solid starts and six substitute appearances, Robson will begin today's game at Colchester on the left wing.

And he is relishing the chance after spending the season at left back.

He appeared at half-time in the midweek win over Chesterfield and, with Gavin Strachan facing another spell on the sidelines after a recurrence of a knee injury, Robson will be playing in front of Hugh Robertson on the left flank at Layer Road.

Robson, last season's young player of the year at Victoria Park, said: "It's my normal position.

"When I was coming through the youth sides I played there, but I've been quite adaptable to go to left-back.

"It's been quite easy for me to play there but my natural position is left midfield.

"My first game for the first-team was in that position, in a pre-season game against Barnsley before last season, and I scored that night. It might have been offside if I remember correctly, but they all count. I play with a lot more freedom on the wing.''

Robson started the opening game of the season at Peterborough, scored as Pool mounted a spectacular comeback to win 4-3 and has never looked back.

"The chances I have had this season, something like 25 games at left-back, have been fantastic, especially not knowing at the start of the season that it was going to happen'' he admitted.

"There is a battle for places now, with Hugh Robertson coming in and there's me and John Brackstone as well.

"It's been a great season for me and the club and now I want to keep it going.''

Cooper has regularly stated he wanted some experience at left back and finally got his man when Robertson moved from Ross County.

Robertson has made a huge impression on everyone at Victoria Park, scoring two spectacular free-kicks from long range.

And Robson welcomed his arrival. "I know Neale has said all along that he wanted some experience at left back and it's good that Hugh has come in - he's a good player.

"It's more a case of helping me on and improving my game - it will make me a better player.

"We've all been impressed with Hugh - The Rocket - he's got some left foot on him.

"His free-kicks are unreal and I haven't seen him practice one in training yet!''

Peterborough aside, when his goal pulled Pool level at 3-3 after they trailed 3-1, Robson has failed to hit the net.

He went close against Chesterfield in midweek, a wicked left-foot effort fizzed over the angle of post and bar, and he confessed: "I had a few chances the other night to score, but one will come soon, I'm sure of it.

"I scored on my debut at Peterborough and playing at Sunderland and the Stadium of Light are the highlights of my career so far.

"We've had two good wins this week and play a good side on Saturday at Colchester. Two wins have pushed us up the table a little bit more and now we need to keep it going.

"Our away form has picked up a lot lately and if we get something there as well, it will be a great week for us.

"Confidence is high in the lads. We have been playing very well and could he even higher in the table. Two wins this week have give us a big lift."

Joel Porter is another desperate to get his name on the scoresheet and the Aussie, who has enjoyed his best Pool performances in the last two games admits confidence is high in the Pool camp after back to back victories.

The striker said: "Colchester will be tough away from home, but our away form has been excellent.

"We are definitely not scared of anyone, but we will be going there looking to keep it tight.

"The only two games where we have had real problems was at Plymouth and QPR and not many teams can cope with them. We have scored a lot of goals away from home lately.

"Against Grimsby earlier this season we hit eight and we've had five at Port Vale, four at Wycombe.

"We've got a great defence and they are stopping things at the other end.''

* Cooper has laughed off suggestions that he is going to succeed Paul Sturrock in the Plymouth Argyle hot-seat. Sturrock quit Home Park this week to join Premiership Southampton.

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