LEE Bullock has called on his team-mates to stand tall in the face of adversity - because the rewards will come.

Hartlepool United meet Rotherham at Victoria Park tonight, the 11th game of a season which hasn't started yet for Martin Scott's side.

Pool lie fifth bottom of League One on ten points and without a home victory in five attempts this season.

Bullock returned to the North-East from Cardiff in the summer, fully expecting his new side to be following last term's exploits and challenging at the top end of the table. But, it hasn't happened yet for Martin Scott's side and the manager and players came in for some stick from the travelling fans after Saturday's disappointing defeat at Chesterfield.

And Thornaby-born Bullock said: "This game is vital for us. From the success here in the last few years, teams are not coming to us and sitting back, aiming to nick a goal on the break.

"We've scored a few, but we've conceded as well. We know it will come right and when it does we can start moving up.

"There's more to come, we all know that. We've a massive squad and there's a lot of injuries, but everyone will get their chance.

"Once we start playing, it's up to us, no-one else. We have to be big enough to get on the ball and not be afraid of making a mistake.

"If you do, and you get some stick, then get hold of it next time and make things happen.

"It's about standing up and being counted. Of course we are disappointed, but the belief is there.''

Bullock operated as a central striker at Saltergate, forming a partnership with Michael Proctor, who moved to Pool from Rotherham in the close season.

His performance was cited by Scott as one of Pool's bright spots from the defeat and he is likely to continue in the role tonight with Jon Daly struggling to recover from a hip injury.

"Jon got injured in midweek and the gaffer wanted someone similar up front,'' said Bullock. "I've done it a fair few times at Cardiff and York as well.

"It's about getting hold of the ball and bringing people into play - the likes of Tommy Butler and Proc.

"I had a good chance to score on Saturday, but got hauled back a little bit and the keeper saved it.

"In football you have to accept missing out at times. It happens. Of course I came here to play regular football, but I haven't managed it yet.

"Now I've got a chance again I'm going to work damn hard to stay in there.

"The season hasn't started for us. We've had a couple of good results and then follow it up with bad ones. Everyone is frustrated by it.''

Scott made over 100 appearances for The Millers from 1986 to 1990 before moving to Bristol City - Pool's opponents on Saturday. And the boss cannot underestimate the importance of victory tonight against Mick Harford's side.

"It was a big loss to be without Jon Daly, he has been a big player for us,'' said Scott. "But Lee Bullock was excellent. He played in a bit of an emergency position and if we don't play Lee up there, I didn't want to play one up front, which is negative.

"We had options, but we needed a bit of strength up there and I thought he worked the line well. I was pleased with him.

"Tuesday may come too soon for him, it's a hip injury he suffered at Charlton.

"I think we've now got five strikers out injured. Tuesday is vital for us, a big game and we need to perform. The start hasn't gone like everyone expected, we all know that. It's vital we get that home win, which we need.

"To concede in the manner we did was very disappointing and we have to defend better.''

Thomas Butler is available tonight, despite racking up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday. FA rules state that "any period of suspension arising from recording cautions will commence on the seventh day following the date of his last offence".

Butler will therefore miss Saturday's trip to Bristol City.

* Rotherham's ex-Pool defender Phil Gilchrist is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

* Pool's home game with Gillingham has been rearranged for Tuesday, November 1.

Read more about Hartlepool here.