PETER Hartley admits a bit of fatherly advice helped him make the most of his chance at Hartlepool United.

After starting the first game of the season, Hartley had to wait a further 12 games.

But since starting in central defence in the win at Plymouth on October 2, the former Sunderland reserve team skipper has never looked back.

The disappointment of giving away a two-goal lead on Saturday lingered, but Harley admitted the benefits of talking to his dad.

“I’ve been given a chance to play in my natural position and I’m determined to make the most of it,’’ he said.

“I’m really confident at the minute and enjoying my football.

I’m looking forward to every game and, even after a result like this one, it won’t knock my confidence.

“I’ve had a long spell out of the team and I was a bit angry about it. I sat down and spoke to my dad about it and he put me on the right track.

“So I got my head down, worked really hard in training and hoped for a chance.

Thankfully I got it and, while it was unlucky for Sweens (Antony Sweeney) as he was out injured, it opened up a place for me to come back in.’’ He added: “I get a bit hot headed at times and I’ve got to take a step back to look at things. I’ve a contract to earn for next year and I want to play games. I believe in myself.

I work hard in training every day.

“I’m the sort of person who if I don’t have a good day in training, I won’t have a good day at home.

“I need to enjoy my football to enjoy my personal life.

Things affect me and I’m just happy now I’m back playing in the team.’’ Hartley was moved to left back for the latter stages of Saturday’s draw, a position he occupied throughout last season.

He said: “I now want to stay in the team, we’ve a strong bench. We’ve got players coming back from injury and it’s up to me to keep my shirt.

“It’s nice to be able to play alongside Sam Collins at centre- back, he’s different class.

He’s ten or eleven years older than me and, even in training, it’s good for me to be able to ask him questions and the like.

“If there are things I’m not sure about, he’s there for advice and experience.’’ Pools have been drawn at home to Vauxhall Motors in the first round of the FA Cup.

Known as The Motormen, they last reached round one in 2004, when they lost to Bury.

They are currently 15th in Conference North.