FOR COLIN COOPER, and Hartlepool United, it’s  all about finding consistency.

It’s not been discovered this season – or last. And starting today, when Portsmouth visit Victoria Park, Pools have three home games in a row.

Carlisle – bottom of the league – follow in seven days, before Sheffield United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Pools season to date has been a picture of inconsistency, but it’s been more underwhelming. Two wins, one draw and six defeats

They lost their first two home games, won one and then drew one. Today, amid talk of supporter discontent, they need to see off Pompey.

Cooper said: “The most important thing, which we spoke about last year, is getting that consistency.

“You cannot have the high of Shrewsbury and then get the low of losing at Northampton.

“They are two extreme, the Tranmere game in between was alright - it was steady and we didn’t look like we were going to win or lost it on the whole.

“If you are not going to win, then don’t lose.’’

And Cooper knows the key to achieving at Victoria Park today and next time – get the first goal.

“The two home games before that against Bury and Dagenham & Redbridge are games we have given them a goal start,’’ he said.

“We were chasing it and then lost it through not closing the back door - it happened again on Saturday [at Plymouth].

“The reasons that it happen stand out like a sore thumb, it is about trying to educate the players and get better.

“We now have three opportunities to get things up and running but we can only look at Saturday to start with and hope we have a good performance and try and get three points.

“Then, everything might look a bit brighter.”

Pools have signed Middlesbrough’s David Atkinson on loan and he could start today, while Michael Duckworth will return from injury at right back and Charlie Wyke comes in up front.

Cooper said: “Michael [Duckworth] was touch and go for last Saturday, he felt as though it was a stretch.

“He played an hour for the reserves on Tuesday and came through that fine and we’ll see how he is.

“Hopefully he will be available for selection on Saturday.

“Goals have been an issue.

“Charlie is great and has been great for us. For the games he has played, the goals he has scored and the energy and enthusiasm he has shown with it is great.

“He has played with that because he wants to be here.

“To have him back amongst everything will be great for us.

“He knows he can play at this level, and higher, but one thing that he is doing I scoring goals and scoring them regularly.

“For a young striker that can only put you in a good place because it gives you the confidence.

“It is a huge boost to him knowing he can come here, play and score regularly. To score three in a month, there is nothing to stop him getting another, three, six, eight.

“The one thing he will have learned from the Northampton game is that his body can take the rigours as well.

“He is alright and is available for Saturday.”

Pools have lost twice since their last Victoria Park outing, going down at Northampton and Plymouth.

Over 1,100 miles with no return was a test for all at Pools and Cooper admitted: “It was a long week, but we can’t do anything about injuries and Charlie Wyke being carried off didn’t help us at Northampton, but we didn’t lose because of that.

“Plymouth was there for us I feel, John Sheridan said if Franksy scored, we would have done on and won it. Nice to hear, but easy to say after winning.

“The next challenge is at home on Saturday and again it’s a tough one, one we are ready for.

“Scott and Charlie are both staying longer now. They have both been good and the parent clubs are keen for them to be here and get football matches in. I like them both.

“They are good lads, with a hunger to have a professional career, so for them to come here and be with us is good for everyone.

“With Freddie as well, it’s three lads I’m happy to have.’’