MARTIN Scott has hailed the impact of winger Steven Istead.

The 19-year-old has long been part of the Hartlepool United squad, but has found a regular starting spot hard to come by.

But, after scoring and impressing in the weekend win over Bournemouth at Victoria Park, Istead is likely to be given another start for the weekend trip to Walsall - the first time he will have started back-to-back League games, despite making almost 60 Football League appearances for the club.

His chance came when Eifion Williams pulled out of the squad on Friday with an injury.

Istead's goal came when he headed in a Hugh Robertson free-kick to put his side into the lead and Scott said: "Everyone has a job to do at set-pieces, taking it, movement or whatever. Icy's job is to win the second ball, the little knock ons and he did his job superbly and got his reward.

"He's one of the many players who has worked extremely hard and he deserves all the accolades he gets.

"We asked Icy to keep his shape out wide and he did that. He admits he found it hard to get his second wind in the first ten, 15 minutes or so.

"First-team games are different to reserve games and that's why.

"Icy is a great lad, a quick winger and he's not afraid to put his foot in. He flies into tackles and the crowd appreciates that.

"He's a tough character and he did very well on Saturday.''

Midfielder Mark Tinkler missed out on Saturday because of a long-standing leg injury, which has needed stitches.

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