HE'S spent the vast majority of his career as a left-winger, but now Andy Monkhouse is seen as an out and out striker.

Colin Cooper's first signing as Hartlepool United boss was Jack Compton, a left winger.

Monkhouse ended last season with two goals on the final day playing up front and has appeared in the forward line in all his games to date this campaign.

After a goal and an assist in Saturday's 2-1 win over Accrington, he will stay there for the weekend's trip to Bristol Rovers.

"I feel Andy can score goals,'' said Cooper. "He just needs to think more that way. I saw the goals he scored last season at the end and I asked if he saw himself as a wide man or a striker - I think he's a striker now.

"He is getting that bit older and I'd like to see him in positions where he can score more often. He does a lot of link-up play unselfishly and the same with arial battles.

"I'd like to see him get into them areas because when the ball comes in the box he has a heck of a leap on him to head it. His finish against Accrington was a nice one, on the back of a flowing one-touch move which was lovely, a calm side-foot finish.

"Calm finishes will find the corner of the net, those that are rushed won't.

"He has goals in him. After Bradford we sat here and asked if we had the ideal partnership in Luke James and Andy - well no, we are always looking for people to be a threat in front of goal.''

Monkhouse has 41 goals for Pools in 260 games, and netted 11 from a wide position in 2009/10.

And Cooper insists his strikeforce isn't set and it's up to his forwards to earn their place in the side.

"Andy has proved, him and Luke together, that they have deserved their opportunity but that doesn't mean they are cemented in the team,'' he said.

"I want more - if Andy, Luke, Steve (Howard), James (Poole) and Nialle (Rodney) , want to be the one nailed on the team sheet then spring out and tell me they are there. Pick another one alongside me, but I'm here.

"That's the challenge to all strikers. Score and you are on the teamsheet and looking at this team last season, goals are at a premium.

"So the quicker you all get away and on target then you will see them blossom with confidence.

"And you start to appear in areas more naturally and more often.''