Danny Wilson is confident Jon Daly will have a big role to play at Hartlepool United this season - as long as the striker stays fit and focused.

Daly has impressed in his last two outings, as a substitute against Boston and against MK Dons at the weekend.

The big Dubliner scored his first Pools goal since last November when he netted in his last outing at Victoria Park.

Daly will start up front in tonight's game with Mansfield and Wilson is confident his targetman can live up to his role.

"From Jon's point of view he has a lot in his locker and should be pushing us for a first-team position week in, week out,'' said Wilson.

"It's no use Jon sitting round and bumming about in the reserves, if you like, doing nothing, putting weight on and getting unfit.

"Because that won't do anyone any good. You have seen in the last two games what Jon is capable of, he scored a good goal against Boston and has a lot of good points to his game.

"You saw on Saturday what he contributed to the team performance. He's got very good technique, but he has to be focused and that can only come from within.

"When he's like that and switched on, he will always be in the frame.

"He's very, very good technically and he has a physical presence.

"You need that in this division, the first form of defence is the strikers and they have to hold the ball up. He can take the blows and give it out as well when needed.'