TEENAGE striker Jack Wilkinson is in line to keep his place in the Hartlepool United side after Saturday's match-winning heroics.

The 18-year-old netted the decisive goal to clinch a 2-1 win over Rushden and boss Neale Cooper gave every indication he will be in the starting line-up at Plymouth at the weekend.

Cooper gave Wilkinson his League bow after a lively substitute appearance in the FA Cup tie with Whitby the the previous week.

He said: "The good thing for the youth team is they see I am prepared to play them. Some managers won't take a risk playing young lads.

"Will he play Saturday? I would think so. They have had some great support from the fans.

"Of course you can win things with kids, but the key to is blend them with experienced players and work hard as well.

"They have been brought up well. Martin Scott had them in the youth system last year and Paul Stephenson is doing well with them now.

"There are some exciting young lads coming though.''

Cooper added: "It was important to play well on Saturday because we had been a bit flat lately and it was pleasing to do it in front of our own supporters.''

Pool's reserves meet Darlington's second string at Victoria Park tomorrow, kick-off 2pm.

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