THERE are not many roles Ben Clark hasn't played at Hartlepool United since his move from Sunderland last October.

The former England under-19 skipper set the trend and started the now well-worn path that leads from the Stadium of Light to Victoria Park.

But, just like he found on Wearside, securing a regular spot in the side isn't straightforward.

After starting the season in central defence against Bradford, Clark found himself at right back at Bournemouth, then on the bench after the arrival of Neill Collins from Sunderland.

Against Scunthorpe he played an instrumental role in turning the game in Pool's favour to come back from 3-1 down to rescue a draw.

Clark appeared in central midfield on Bank Holiday Monday and, despite an impressive display, who knows where he will start against Yeovil this afternoon.

With Collins on international duty for Scotland under-21s there is a place in central defence going spare, but his midfield display against The Iron puts him in the frame to start alongside Tony Sweeney against League One's bottom side.

After playing across both the back four and midfield last season, Clark's versatility will prove vital in the coming months.

"This season I've played against Bradford and Bournemouth at the back and then against Scunthorpe in midfield but, if I'm honest, I will play anywhere,'' he admitted.

"All I want to do, and every footballer will say the same, is play games and be involved.

"Last season I even played a couple of games on the wing - fair to say they weren't my best - but it's about playing regular football.

"When you get asked to do a job you do it, wherever the manager wants you to play.

"I came on the other day when we were 2-1 down and it was soon 3-1. Then I didn't start the game very well, I misplaced a couple of early passes, and thought it was going to be one of those days.

"But I managed to get the ball down and started to pass it about a bit, thankfully it came off right at the end.

"Last year the team maybe picked itself for long times, we had a lot of players who were involved in a lot of games. This year we've added to the squad and there are some very good players who can't even make the bench and are sitting in the stands.

"There are a few injuries as well and we know we have a lot more to come. With such a big squad, full of quality players, everyone knows they have to wait and bide their time if they are not in then take their chance when it comes along.''

Mark Tinkler is back in the squad today after coming through a 90-minute reserve team run-out in midweek and he is competing with Clark for the same two roles today.

Boss Martin Scott is demanding a big improvement for today's noon kick-off.

With just one win to their name this season - at Doncaster - Pool have taken just two points from a possible nine at home.

Jon Daly won the 90th-minute penalty, dispatched by Adam Boyd for his second goal in as many games, after latching on to Clark's long, speculative ball from deep.

Clark admitted: "We know we didn't perform anything like we are capable of on Monday.

"As a team we haven't played as well as we can this season, but we came out with a draw on Monday with a late penalty and let's hope somethinglike that can kick-start us.

"It was a great ball for the penalty, I spotted Jon and picked him out with a searching pass!

"He did well when he came on to be fair and won us the penalty, then credit to Boydy for putting it away - he was getting some stick from their lads.

"We know what Boydy is like, he's got two in two now. He's a big game player and it takes some courage to take a penalty in that situation. It was pleasing to see him put it away.

"I was pleased with my performance. Obviously it's a disappointment not to be involved in the last few games but the gaffer picks the team and all I can do is make the most of my chance.

"There's a great squad here and a great togetherness. We are all part of a big squad and if you aren't playing, you can't hold it against anyone else.

"It's a squad thing and the gaffer has told everyone that. When you get the chance, you have to take it.

"We know we haven't played anything like we know we are capable of. We have only done it in patches so far - the fans are frustrated and so are we."

"I think we need to show more guts and determination and, with a bit more quality, I'm sure we will be alright. We showed plenty of character to come back against Scunthorpe andlet's hope that is our turning point, something to get us going."

Read more about Hartlepool here.