WITH injuries and suspensions playing more of a part this season, Danny Wilson is happy with the strength of his squad.

The Hartlepool United boss's side virtually picked itself last season as they stormed to promotion from League Two.

But it hasn't been the same story this campaign and for Saturday's trip to Millwall he was without three of the previous week's starting line-up.

Antony Sweeney, Andy Monkhouse and Ali Gibb, however, stepped up to the mark and impressed in the win at the New Den.

Jamie McCunnie is available after suspension at Huddersfield tonight and could return at right back in place of Gibb.

"Lads have come in and taken their opportunities and that is what you want,'' admitted Wilson, who was yesterday presented with the performance of the round award for the 5-2 win at Lincoln in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

"Ali Gibb was outstanding at times, Tony Sweeney - well we know what he can do, you saw it with the goal - and Andy can change the game for you with one touch and his defensive game was much better as well.

"It's not his strongest part, but he did it well.'' Sweeney netted the winning goal on Saturday and Wilson, after handing the midfielder only his second league start of the season, was impressed.

"It was some strike to win it - he had a real go,'' he admitted.

"I thought he was going to take a touch and he caught everyone out with it. He scored two for the reserves a couple of weeks ago.

"It's a tough month for us and winning takes a bit of pressure off us.

"Tony is coming off the back of some goals for the reserves and is chomping at the bit to play games.

"He gives us a bit of a different dimension, he offers something extra going forward. He's a very fit boy and can outrun most players.'' It was Pools' third away win of the season and, ahead of trips to Gainsborough Trinity, Gillingham and Swansea to come this month after the back-to-back away games to start November, Wilson admitted: "We created openings and passed the ball well. What was pleasing was the amount of balls going into the opposition box.

"Sometimes we have been a bit too predictable on that front. We penned them in a bit more than we have done.'' The squad and club staff will attend the funeral of team-mate Michael Maidens in Saltburn tomorrow.

The 20-year-old midfielder died in a road accident on Friday, October 19 and Wilson admitted: "It's still with us and it will be for a long time. We've got the funeral this week and he is always in our thoughts - as are his family.

And the boys here have been fantastic.

"But you can't express any sort of feelings you have without considering his parents and brothers, it's impossible to imagine.

"The boys here have been brilliant since it happened and it's not been easy.

"He was a very good friend to them all and he will be in our thoughts for a long time.''