COLIN Larkin is happy to tackle one of the hardest jobs in the Hartlepool United side, but admits he could do with a goal.

The Irishman has been ploughing a lone furrow up front in a 4-5-1 set-up away from home.

Even at home, when Pools field more of a 4-3-3 formation, it’s still only one striker alone through the middle.

Larkin was replaced after 75 minutes on Saturday, as Pools lost at Orient.

“It’s an energy-sapping role up front on your own, some lads call it the graveyard shift,’’ he said. “I don’t really care, I’m playing and I’ll run forever.

“It was disappointing that we all worked hard and didn’t get something from the game.

“It’s a role that suits me.

Obviously if I was given the option I would like to play with someone up there or off someone.

“But I’m a quick player and I like to run in behind defenders.

I’ll do that role all day long.’’ Larkin’s only goal for Pools came a little over a year ago in a 3-0 home win over Walsall, but he insisted: “For the first couple of months of the season I wasn’t getting a look-in.

“I’m probably the main striker at the moment so hopefully I can maintain this run of form and stay in the team.

“Since I’ve been here I don’t think I’ve played four or five consecutive games, which is disappointing, so to be in there is good and I think it works well.

“Anything that goes in the air Andy Monkhouse comes and tries to flick it on and I just gamble off everything, so I’m enjoying it at the moment.

“Everybody says I’m due a goal but I’m confident in my own ability. It’s just getting that one goal and hopefully that will kick everything else off.’’