TWO goals at the weekend, three for the season. Now Jonathan Franks wants at least seven more this season.

The Hartlepool United wideman netted both goals as Pools progressed to the second round of the FA Cup and a tie with Blyth Spartans.

Boss Paul Murray has seen at close quarters what Franks is capable of, even before he was appointed manager, as they were team-mates at Victoria Park for a few months and Murray is keen to get the former Middlesbrough man playing with confidence and freedom.

And Franks said: "It is always good to score - I should have had five at the weekend but I would have took two before the game.

"I want to get double figures this season. I have had a slow start goals wise but hopefully now I have three I can kick-on a bit.

"I am confident of doing that, the more games you play helps.’’

Franks was quick to pay tribute to the coaching staff at Pools for his recent form, both permanent and temporary hired hands.

"When Brian Honour came in he drilled into me hit the target, hit the target,’’ recalled the 24-year-old.

"The gaffer and Willie (Donachie) have been good as well and the way we are playing, we have goals in us.

"Brian Honour was different class, it is a shame he couldn't stay on full-time because he was brilliant with me.

"The gaffer has been brilliant with all of the lads, both as a group and individually. He just wants us to be positive and to keep that back door shut.

"On Saturday we managed to do both sides and we got a good result.’’

He added: "I played with the gaffer when he was here playing for a couple of months.

"It is a little bit weird now having him as the manager but you could always see that side of him as a player.

"He was a good player, very disciplined, which is what you need. I am sure he will go on to become a very good manager.’’

Pools remain bottom of the Football League, but Franks is sure of an upturn in fortunes in the coming weeks following Murray’s appointment.

The new boss has spoke of step by step improvements to his squad and their fortunes and Franks admitted: "The confidence is in the camp that we can get out of the trouble we are in in the league.

"That started with the comeback draw against Newport County and then on Saturday we followed that up with a win in the FA Cup – that was important.

"We now need to build on this. It all started against Newport, that comeback showed the spirit and the character within the camp.

"Saturday we had to get a result and we did that and next week hopefully we can go to Southend United and get another result.’’

Murray has made three new signings to date and is expecting more before the weekend.

Sidney Schmletz and Nicky Featherstone have impressed since their arrivals, while striker Scott Fenwick is into his first week as a professional after moving from Dunston.

"We have seen Sidney and Nicky play, Nicky is an experienced player and is really good on the ball,’’ he said. "I am a big fan of his.

"Sidney has come in and given us something a bit different that we didn't have. He has given us a buzz up front that we lacked and he has made a positive impact.

"I haven't seen much of Scott so far but I have heard good things about him.

"Hopefully he can bring something extra to the squad.

"Competition is always healthy and keeps people on their toes.

"There are lots of games in this league and people will play plenty of matches this season.

"You just have to take that chance when it arrives."