JIM Provett has spent enough time on the sidelines this season and is determined to make the most of his recall.

Last season's player of the year at Hartlepool United, Provett was ousted from the first team in October and had since made only a single FA Cup appearance as Dimi Konstantopoulos became Neale Cooper's preferred goalkeeper.

But, after the big Greek conceded six in last Saturday's 6-4 defeat to Wrexham, Provett was handed a recall at Hull in midweek.

While Pool lost 1-0 - the goal coming from a rebound after Provett saved a penalty - Cooper was pleased with the goalkeeper's performance.

"I think it was only right to bring Jim back in the other night,'' he said.

"I think in the game before Wrexham he could have done better with the goal we conceded at Stockport.

"You can't blame him for all the goals against Wrexham, but I just thought he could have done better.

"He wasn't his normal assured self and was caught out.

"Jim came in and did very well against Hull. He has been outstanding after having a long spell on the sidelines watching Dimi.''

Provett will stay between the sticks against Tranmere as Pool aim to avoid losing four games on the trot for the first time since 1998.

Cooper added: "Jim was confident, he dealt with high balls well, was lively in the box and he was unlucky with the penalty.

"You need a bit of luck and if you get that bit of luck the ball comes back across the goal and goes the other way. When it goes against you, it goes back to the penalty taker.

"I know we didn't do it the other night at Hull, but it was a far more rounded performance.

"We've lost three games and had three very different performances.

"Stockport was slack, but against Wrexham we played some very good stuff going forward and it was a once in a lifetime game - remember it could have been ten-each.

"I wanted a reaction and I got it. Now we have to take it into Saturday's game with Tranmere.''

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