Cooper: Monkhouse Will Shake Up Goal Shy Frontline

Hartlepool United manager Neale Cooper says he is looking for winger Andy Monkhouse to be the answer to his forward problems.

Despite signing forward duo Jonathan Franks and Steve Howard during the close season, Pools failed to score in their opening two friendly games, something Cooper wants to use Monkhouse to address.

''I know Andy likes playing out on the left but, for me, he doesn't get a lot of crosses in and doesn't get by people enough. I think he's better through the middle.

The left winger was often utilised as a front man by Cooper during last season, however the move saw Monkhouse score just two goals under the Scot. The former Swindon man ended the season with just three strikes to his name, his worst record in five seasons.

However, with Pools set to face Sunderland and Middlesbrough in the next week, Cooper says that Monkhouse can be the answer to his side's problems.

''We've got a few very good friendlies coming up now and I`ll be looking for a little bit more from them between now and the start of the season.

''I think he takes the ball well and has got a good presence up there. He's very good in the air and can hold the ball and bring others in.

''He's shown as well that he's got an eye for goal but needs to show that more often.'' he told the Sunderland Echo.

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