GAVIN Strachan has played football with and against the best of them.

In his early years as a professional, the Hartlepool United midfielder was part of Coventry's Premiership squad.

While League One might be two rungs down from the top division, Strachan has no hesitation in holding Victoria Park team-mate Adam Boyd in equally high regard.

He looked on in admiration as Boyd's hat-trick against Sheffield Wednesday last week pushed Pool into fourth spot in the chase for a play-off spot and a route into the Championship.

And, as Pool head to Doncaster today, hoping to make the run-in a calm affair rather than having to go to Bournemouth in a fortnight for a decider, Strachan knows there's every chance Boyd can repeat his scintillating form.

"Adam Boyd was fantastic against Sheffield Wednesday,'' said Strachan.

"I've played with some really top-quality players in my career and Boydy is right up there at the top with the best of them.

"His third goal last week, and I really mean it, was one of the best I have seen.

"He showed so much composure.

"The keeper wasn't that far off his line, it's not like he was standing ten yards away, he was inside the six-yard box and he still managed to chip it over him.''

Strachan was back in the Pool starting line-up for the draw at Colchester a fortnight ago and, after a tidy show at Layer Road, was again influential against the Owls.

Last season he was forced to sit out the final games of the season after the emeragence of Tony Sweeney and admitted: "To be part of a performance like that last week is very special.

"I've played the last two games and I have really enjoyed it. It's not nice being on the bench looking on like I have been doing, I admit that.

"You just have to take your chances when they come and hopefully you get nights and performances like that one.''

Pool are fourth but only two points separate them and Wednesday, who slipped out of the top six after losing at Victoria Park.

With a home game with Walsall to come next Saturday, Strachan said: "Other teams went into last Saturday's games looking up at us and we are in fourth position. Whoever lost the other night knew it was going to be hard.

"OK, Brentford have a game in hand, but at this stage of the season, with so few games left, it's nice to have the points on the board.

"Some people might look at it as pressure but this is what we want - we want to be in this sort of position, challenging at the top.

"It's all to play for and I'd much prefer the pressure at this end of the table than the opposite end.''

Pool were thankful for two late Joel Porter goals to get the better of Rovers at Victoria Park last November. After being outplayed for long periods, Porter struck twice in the final stages to complete an unlikely turnaround and Strachan recalled: "Doncaster are a good team who will attack us.

"I remember the game at home earlier this season and they were on top for a long time.

"We go to Bournemouth on the last day of the season and I'd rather it be over before then.

"Our fate is in our own hands and we want to get the points against Doncaster and Walsall so we can get in as good a position as possible before the last game.''

* Pool's Dave Brown was runner-up in the League One groundsman of the year award.

l Pool's play-off chasers will be driving for success next week.

The squad will be joining the media and local businesses at the Mayfair long range challenge on Tuesday.

And, after limbering up this week with Mayfair pro Andy Blythe, defender Chris Westwood fancies his chances.

"Micky Barron, Gavin Strachan and Joel Porter are the top boys on the golf course, mind that is what they are telling us - and nobody's ever seen Joel with a golf club in his hands,'' he said.

"Some of us, like me, don't play golf, but we don't mind having a go at whacking it as far as we can.

"I have never understood the draw myself. I like the idea of teeing off but all that walking round after the ball doesn't appeal to me.

"Saying that I have every confidence in winning this competition, whoever is in my team.''

The golf extravaganza will consist of team events and individual competitions, as well as a long-distance challenge with Blythe.

All money raised will be split between Hartlepool Hospice and the youth development fund at Victoria Park.

A number of places are still available and anyone interested should contact Sam Lee on 07984 677 357