Striker Bobby Grant has turned his season around, with Scunthorpe United boss Alan Knill admitting the Liverpudlian is now one of the first names on the team-sheet.

Grant struck twice to defeat Hartlepool United and send the Iron through to the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, with Knill pleased to secure a first home win of the season.

"I'm delighted for Bobby – he looks like he can score," said the United manager.

"He must have had 20 shots, so the chances are you are going to take two. But the good thing is he's really positive about it.

"He's obviously on the money at the moment.

"If someone comes in to work and tries their best and they're enthusiastic, and they want to win and be better every day, I'll give them plenty of time.

"Bobby has been exactly that since the day I walked in.

"He wasn't first choice at the start of the season, but he's kept going and every day he is pretty much the same.

"Now he is first choice. I almost find it difficult to leave him out because he is the man in form."

Knill hopes Tuesday's Trophy result will now have a positive impact on the Iron's league form.

"I thought we did okay," he said.

"It was good to get a win and good to get a clean sheet.

"I thought we were fairly good - we passed it and moved it. And I thought we looked solid."