Chris Popov has been speaking ahead of Hartlepool United v Marine in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

Summer signing Chris Popov is determined to put in the hard yards and improve as a player at Hartlepool United - with the young forward enjoying life under Pete Wild.

The 21-year-old forward, a Wales Under-21 international and former Leicester City youth academy prospect, has made 11 appearances for Pools to date, scoring one goal in the 1-0 win over Woking in the National League.

He says there is much more to come from him and he is determined to keep working hard, to impress Wild and the Hartlepool United fanbase - with Pools hosting Marine on Saturday at The Vic in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie.

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Popov told BBC Tees Sport at the club’s Maiden Castle training base: “I think I'm learning every day, to be honest, especially with some of the quality of players and coaches we've got here. The coaches, the manager, I'm learning every day. So, of course, my past experiences last season will help me and put me in good stead. But I'm learning every day. I'm still young. I've got a lot to improve, I'm just trying every day to get better.”

And Popov is enjoying life under Wild, he added: “I've really enjoyed it. I think everyone will say that, not just myself. It's been a breath of fresh air and, yeah, it's been really good. We've just got to keep working hard, as he said loads of times, there's lots to improve on, but we'll get there.”

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Popov added: “There are always ups and downs, but you've just got to try and keep level-headed. Obviously, I understand the frustration. We were as frustrated ourselves and hopefully with the new gaffer coming in, we can go in a positive way and in a positive direction. You've just got to keep working hard, not get carried away and hopefully good things will come.”

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