MICHAEL Pook admits tonight's clash with Tranmere Rovers could help decide his County Ground future as he looks set to start in a revamped side.

The 19-year-old midfielder, has been on the fringe of things over the last couple of months but may be handed a midfield berth with boss Iffy Onuora planning changes in the wake of the Nottingham Forest debacle.

Loanee striker Trevor Benjamin looks set to be handed his first start for the Robins in a side that could also include Lee Peacock and Jamie Cureton, with Onuora promising to take the game to their visitors from the Wirral.

Pook was an ever present member of the side this campaign until mid-November when he sat out the 1-1 draw with Port Valeut, after Saturday's 7-1 defeat at the City Ground, he is hoping to get another chance.

He said: "The pressure will be on if I do start because I know having been out of the team in recent weeks I have that one game to prove myself.

"The injured players may be fit for Saturday and if you don't perform when you have been given your chance then you may find yourself left out again.

"I am hoping to stay here next season and at the moment, like everyone else, I am in talks.

"A few good performances between now and the end of the season will give me some ammunition to help with a new contract."

Pook was the last ever-present in the Town squad but, after being rested for the Port Vale game and then being arrested for drink driving, he has struggled to force his way back into the reckoning.

Injuries to Charlie Comyn-Platt and Paul Smith have opened up a route back into the side though with Pook desperate not to waste it.

"It has been frustrating," he said. "There is a luxury here of so many midfielders and as a club that is what we want.

"I remember Stef (Miglioranzi) saying the other week it is disappointing when you are put in because of injured players but that is football and that is what the squad is for.

"When you do get your chance you have to do your best to make sure you can hold onto the position."

Pook made his full league debut against Tranmere Rovers in April last year and is hoping for a repeat of their 2-1 win.

He said: "I have good memories of Tranmere and hopefully tonight's game will give me a few more. We are fighting against relegation but we all believe we have the ability to work our way out."

Benjamin, on loan from Peterborough, scored his first Town goal as a late substitute in the defeat at Forest and is hoping he has done enough to earn his full debut.

He said: "The fans have not seen the best of me yet. I have a lot more to come and hopefully I will score a few more goals between now and the end of the season."