Hartlepool United's Andy Monkhouse claims he is the man to fill the void left by the departure of Alan Thompson.Monkhouse has been limited to two substitute appearances as the former Aston Villa, Celtic and England midfielder Thompson started every game of his one-month loan spell from Leeds, which expired after the 1-0 home defeat by Northampton on Friday.

Monkhouse, 27, was a near ever-present for the Pools before Christmas, but saw his left-midfield spot go to Thompson as he battled to overcome a knee injury.

"Obviously [Thompson] came in and did really well for us," Monkhouse told the Hartlepool Mail. "It is just unfortunate that he came in when I had just got fit but couldn't get in the team. It leaves an opportunity for me and I have got to take it."

Monkhouse is also at a loss to explain Hartlepool's poor form away, which has seen Danny Wilson's men register just two points from their last 10 matches.

"I can't put my finger on why we haven't won away. I don't think the gaffer can either," he added. "Last season was completely different to this. Everywhere we went we were winning so we got used to it. It is a lot harder in this league when you go away from home."

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