LEE BULLOCK admits he is enjoying playing the role of elder statesman in the Hartlepool United engine room.

The former York man has been only a bit-part player for the majority of the season, but since Paul Stephenson took command at Victoria Park, Bullock has become a mainstay in the side.

He's formed a central midfield partnership with teenager Stephen Turnbull, in a run of one defeat in seven games.

And Bullock said: "We seem to compliment each other well. He's a good player.

"He's happy to collect it off the back four and let me get my tackles in and drive forward.

"The performance against Huddersfield, the first half on Tuesday and the first half against Doncaster are the ones we have to keep up. But I do enjoy playing in there with him and hopefully he's the same.''

Pool go to Southend on Saturday to face the League One leaders, who are still reeling from their shock defeat at MK Dons last Saturday.

Pool will hope to make the most of the Shrimpers' slip - which came in their first of five successive games against teams involved in the relegation scrap - and their boss Steve Tilson admitted over-confidence may have been creeping into his side.

He said: "If you're not playing to your potential week in, week out, you will get beaten.

"We have to make sure we are right. If we think we can just turn up and win matches, then it won't happen."

Confidence has been restored at Victoria Park under Stephenson and Bullock couldn't be happier to be given a run in the side.

"He's (Stephenson) shown a bit of faith in me and that raises a bit of confidence,'' said the 24-year-old.

"It's like anything, if you're not happy in your job it's going to show in any walk of life and I want to repay that faith he's shown in me.

"I'm playing with a smile on my face, I'm enjoying my football and I look forward to every game. To be honest from the Tranmere game my season has just started. But you have to just get on with it.''

l Pool's reserve side take on Sheffield United at Billingham Town this afternoon (2pm). Hugh Robertson is in line for a start and Thomas Butler may be given a run-out on his recovery from hamstring trouble