FIVE goals in five games, and Nathan Thomas has the quality to go all the way according to his manager.

The left-sided forward has been a revelation at Hartlepool United since moving from Mansfield in January.

On Wednesday the club’s shortlist for goal of the month for September consisted of five goals – all by Thomas.

His influence on the side is as high as his ability.

He was watched by Sunderland in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Luton, one of many clubs in the Premier League and Championship to keep a close eye on the 22-year-old.

If he maintains the form he is currently in, then Pools will be ready for big bids in the next transfer window.

Hignett, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Grimsby, admitted: “Nath has been fantastic, in scoring form. Five in five for him, a real handful and the thing is he wants to learn now and we are giving him advice and information all the time.

“He’s getting into a shape, he’s tracking back, he’s tracking runners, doing everything a real top wide player should be.

“The longer he carries on with these good habits the higher he will go – and he will go higher, he’s got the natural ability to play in the Premier League.

“We could lose him in January and if we do to the Premier League I would be delighted for him. I’m a realist and a player wants to play as high as he can. As long as the deal is good for him and the club I would be delighted to see him in the Premier League.

“He’s knuckled down, worked his socks off and is a different lad to when we first came in. He’s matured and he understands what he needs to progress and get better. He will listen and learn and that’s all you can ask as a coach.’’

Thomas has ten goals in 31 starts for Pools, and since the Stockton-born forward returned to the North-East after a nomadic career, which started at Sunderland then took in Darlington, Motherwell, Plymouth and Mansfield.

And now he’s settled with Pools, Hignett is making the most of his talents.

“I think when you have got the ability Nathan has got you should be getting double figures,’’ reflected the manager. “Sometimes it is just an attitude thing. Nath can get upset if he is not involved in the play sometimes.

“If the play is all on the right all the time he can sometimes just sit outside. He can sulk sometimes. But we say to him 'just because you're not involved you can get on the end of this'.

“He is doing that a lot more - getting in the box. I think this formation, playing in the three, suits him.

“He has been a lot more clinical in himself. He is on a roll and he is expecting to score in every game. That is the feeling you get as a footballer sometimes.’’

Pools will be without Nicky Featherstone for the next three Football League games after his sending-off in midweek. His ban does not cover Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy game with Sunderland Under-23s.

Scott Harrison returns from suspension, and Rob Jones (hip) is hopeful of being fit.

Pools’ keeper Trevor Carson and defender Liam Donnelly have been called up for Northern Ireland. Carson is with the full squad for games with Germany (October 8) and San Marino (October 11), with Donnelly captaining the Under-21s against Ukraine (October 6) and France (October 11).

They both miss Pools’ home games with Sunderland Under-23s and Crawley next week.