DARRELL CLARKE knows a thing or two about how Hartlepool United's young guns are feeling.

Jack Wilkinson and Darren Craddock last week became the latest to be promoted to the first-team, joining an ever-growing list of teenagers to make their mark this season.

The duo are in line to keep their places for this afternoon's game at Plymouth.

Clarke made his debut at Mansfield as a 19-year-old. Now aged 24 and almost 250 games later, he feels like one of Pool's elder statesmen.

"Young Jack came in and did tremendously well last week,'' he said. "He took his goal well, it was a good finish.

"Westy had a shot, it hit me on the shoulder and rolled into his path but he tucked it away brilliantly.

"At the other end Cradds looked very comfortable and relaxed. He's a quiet lad, but then again most of them are when they come into the first-team squad.

"The likes of Bracca and Pop Robson are like that, but they are doing a good job.

"I feel like one of the old lads in the side now!

"It's great for the young lads at the club to see their mates coming through to the first team. I was in that position. The young lads have the fire in their belly and want to do well.

"They play without fear and just get on with it.''

Clarke was back in his favoured position in last week's win over Rushden.

Boss Neale Cooper opted for a different formation, with Clarke at the tip of a midfield diamond.

Cooper admitted: "He looked comfortable in there. We don't have out and out wingers at the club.

"Playing that way was something we worked on all week. We tried it out in a game against the reserves and it suited us.

"Darrell is no out and out winger, neither is Ritchie - we are always trying to bring in players like that - but I thought the way we played they complemented each other well.''

Clarke added: "We played a different way and I was in the middle, which everyone knows I enjoy a lot more. I am never going to be a wizard on the wing. But like I've said 100 times, I will play there every week if I have to and do my best.

"We played more of a diamond formation in there, with Tinks the wider player. It caused them problems because they had to pick me up then we had the others coming through in the spaces as well.

"There was a bit of a revenge thing about last week - they pipped us for the title last season and they were the last team to beat us at home as well, so it was great to get one over on them.

"The last thing we wanted was Rushden coming to our patch and winning again - we had enough of them last season!

"We put on a good performance and we needed it. Our form at home the last four or five matches hasn't been good enough. We haven't been playing as well as we were at the start of the season.

"It was good to get back to playing something like we can because it's a tough game at Plymouth.

"The spark was there again last week.''

Clark has netted five times this season, in stark contrast to the last campaign when it took him until the end of December to break his duck.

He could easily have netted goals six and seven last week in the closing minutes and admitted: "I really couldn't believe the keeper saved the second shot.

"It was under him, hit his elbow and came back over the bar.''

Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock indicated earlier this week he was willing to bring in new signings. Yesterday, however, he changed his mind and vowed to give his reserve players a chance tomorrow after their 6-0 win over Bournemouth.

"The team will be vastly changed for Saturday," insisted Sturrock.

"I feel I've been a bit too loyal to the players, who've done so well, but need taking out of the team,'' he said. "And for all sorts of reasons, I feel our mental approach has changed.

"It has changed from us wanting to be a good side to thinking we are a good side.''

* Season ticket holders have until noon today to get their tickets for the FA Cup tie at Burton before they go on general sale on Monday.

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