ANDY Monkhouse could be set for a career change. After spending his playing days, from a teenage prospect who scored on his debut for Rotherham against Hartlepool in 1997, he has been a left winger.

But now, after five years and 220 appearances in a Pools shirt, he is set for a run as a striker.

He was fleetingly used up front last season, as Mick Wadsworth looked for a solution to his dearth of strikers.

Monkhouse has played there for the last two games and made a big impression at Chesterfield on Saturday alongside James Poole.

They will be paired together again tonight against Tranmere at Victoria Park.

"I thought Poole and Monks worked well as a pair," admitted Wadsworth. "Nishy and Boydy had a great start to the season and got us goals. Then they've had a little blip - but isn't it great when we can just change the strikers and get something from the other lads, but that's why they're here.

"I said more than a few times last year that I fancied playing Andy down the middle.

"I think at his age it suits him. We know he can do his job on the left or right but it's nice to freshen your game up when you get to 30.

"He's done that job all of his career now he's got something else to think about.

"And I think it keeps you on your toes."

And while Monkhouse moves forward, his left-wing spot is taken by Evan Horwood.

He's spent his time at his home-town club as a left-back, but impressed in an advanced role at the weekend and, with Stephen Wright behind him in defence, Wadsworth feels there's the potential for a good understanding on the left side.

"We've talked about playing Evan further forward and he's made us a goal because his delivery is fantastic," he said.

"We know he can shoot as well and chances will fall to him. He could be our Gareth Bale type player, driving forward hitting crosses, hitting shots and he'll get better the more he plays at it.

"And Wrighty is good for him because he gives him good information."

Pools last home game ended in a 3-1 loss to Wycombe, with some anger raised from the Victoria Park stands. Saturday's victory ended a three-game losing stretch and tonight they seek a third home win of the season and Wadsworth, with his side seventh in League One on a healthy 22 points, said: "We jump up and down, everyone gets upset and says the bubble has burst and you don't know what you're doing.

"I understand that but I've got to stay calm and grimly determined and get on with it, and that's what we always do.

"We've had a fantastic start and we're in good shape relative to where we'd expect to be and if you'd said that in July it would have done us.

"I know Tranmere play a 4-5-1 and keep it very tight.

"They've also got a lot of pace on the flanks and we've got to be ready for them."