DOUBLE matchwinner Leon McSweeney has been praised by his coach after two goals in as many games earned back to back wins for Hartlepool United.

The Irish attacker netted the only goal in Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game at home to Bradford, his winner coming on the back of Saturday’s strike at Plymouth that proved the difference between the sides.

His confident display on Tuesday came in only his second start of the season and he will keep his place for Saturday’s League One game at home to Peterborough.

The weekend’s goal was contrasting to Tuesday’s; a 25- yard belt into the top corner coming before a six-yard box tap-in.

But caretaker coach Mick Wadsworth was just as delighted to see Tuesday’s finish as he was 72 hours previously.

“Confidence is a big thing and, with Leon, you could see the difference,’’ he said. “It’s a good point made, without doubt. He looks brighter, faster, has put good crosses in and come in to put himself in good positions.

“I’m really pleased for him because he has been brighter in himself. If you spoke to him he would tell you he had been a bit out of sorts.

“He’s had a few games now and he will tell you he hasn’t deserved a place early on. I can only judge this season, not what has gone on before.’’ Since signing from Stockport in 2009, McSweeney has yet to command a regular place in the Pools side.

He started the last ten games of last season after a brief spell at right-back, but Wadsworth is using him in a more advanced role, as part of a three-man attack.

“I know last season because of what Chris (Turner) said, but early this season on he didn’t, in reserve games, show it,” said Wadsworth. “In the last few weeks really, there’s been a difference in training and games.

“He is at it and confident.

He scored a cracker on Saturday and a tap in on Tuesday, it’s great to get both types of goal.’’ Wadsworth has pushed Gary Liddle into a midfield spot for the last two games and feels the change in role from his central defensive spot is proving a boost for both player and team.

“I think we were strong in midfield the other night,’’ he said. “Gary Liddle was terrific, he gives us a lot of energy.

“Peter Hartley did well, he’s started again. He has been knocking on the door – left back? Centre-back? He’s had a chance and played himself in the team now. Lidds has had a boost, he’s gone in there in midifield. He’s done well away from home, but made mistakes at home.

“Now he’s freed up a bit and is a bit more relaxed about it all.”