Hartlepool United midfielder Gavan Holohan relishing goal scoring responsibility

The Irishman has scored twice as many goals as any other member of the Pools squad at this early stage of the campaign.

And after netting nine goals in 20 starts for the club last season, Holohan is statistically the club’s biggest goal threat with their strikers currently struggling to get on the scoresheet in the National League.

With that comes more responsibility and pressure for the 28-year-old to deliver from midfield, a role in the side he welcomes.

“Yeah, I feel there’s more pressure in that regard and I know I’m in the team because I’ve got certain qualities and strengths that help me get goals,” Holohan told The Mail.

"I’m happy to take on that responsibility but first and foremost I want to focus on my play and helping the team as best I can and obviously goals and assists are a big part of that.”

Despite his solid goal return last season, Holohan was in and out of the side starting as many National League matches on the bench as he did in the starting line-up. This season, he’s started all nine league matches so far.

“I’ve made the point before, at the start of last season I wasn’t playing so I had a bit of a slow start,” he added.

"This season I’ve been playing consistently from the off which gives me confidence that I can maintain the performances that I put in where it’s about keeping my place in the side not waiting for an opportunity.”

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