HOWARD CAN WIN FANS OVER

COLIN COOPER has challenged Steve Howard to work his way into the Hartlepool United starting line-up and win over the club’s boo boys.

Howard was met with a mixed reception when being introduced from the bench during Pools’ defeat at home to Southend United last Saturday.

The 37-year-old has split fans as many believed the striker was on his way out after spending the back end of last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

However, Cooper says Howard believes he can regain those supporters.

“Stevie realises he has to win everyone over,” said Cooper. “The way to do that is to keep working up to match fitness and then score goals.

“And that is what he wants to do. He wants to get fitter to make the people believe he is the player he wants to be.”

Howard has over 200 career goals and Cooper added: “Stevie will be a constant threat if we get the ball into the box for him. He just needs to find that extra yard.”