HARTLEPOOL United fans received encouraging glimpses of new signing Ritchie Jones on Saturday - and boss Danny Wilson knows there is more to come.

Signed from Manchester United during the summer, Jones scored on his debut as Pools thumped Colchester at Victoria Park.

Tonight Pools meet Scunthorpe in the first round of the Carling Cup, with Jones set to develop his partnership with Antony Sweeney on the right side.

“Ritchie has a great engine and pace and he linked up well with the right back – that’s an important job for us and he has great energy to get back in and help out as well,’’ said Wilson.

“You can’t be too cavalier, but he offered good protection for the full backs and he will keep getting in those positions because he is a fit boy.

“On the right side – and no disrespect to the left side – they have great energy.

Ritchie and Tony in pre-season running tests were outstanding and they are very fit, but they defend and get forward in tandem as well.

“I would like to think we won’t concede many goals from that side with those two working together.’’ Jones played his football at Old Trafford as a central midfielder, but Wilson has no qualms about pushing him to the right side as he gets to grips with League One.

“I don’t see Ritchie solely as a right midfielder at this moment in time,’’ added the manager. “We put possibly our most physical midfield out on Saturday, a strong midfield rather than a flamboyant one.’’ Jones scored the fourth in the 4-2 win and admitted: “I played out wide and it was a little bit new for me.

“I like being in the middle of middle, but I play out wide as well and I really enjoyed it.

“I linked up with Sweeney and he is quality – he’s got a lot of energy and he will run up and down all day. I’m sure we can help each other out and work well together.

“I don’t mind doing the defensive work out there, I spent a lot of time sitting deep in the second half when we were in control and it’s something we all have to do.’’ Pools have reduced prices tonight. Standing is £13 (£6 concessions) and sitting £15 (£7).