CHARLIE Wyke is out to make the most of his Hartlepool United experience – and would be more than happy to extend the deal, writes NICK LOUGHLIN.

The highly-rated Middlesbrough striker last week agreed to remain at Victoria Park for a further month, and made his second start in a week when he lined up against MK Dons at the weekend.

Dropping deep from the forward line into midfield, Wyke has made a decent fist of his stint up the A19 at Pools.

“I’m playing off the main striker at the minute and it’s a role I enjoy, dropping deep and getting a lot of the ball, more of it than if you are up there by yourself,’’ he reflected.

“I’m pleased to stay here, I really wanted to and it’s all good experience for me.

Last weekend I really enjoyed it and the gaffer wanted me to play a certain way, it’s like we play at Middlesbrough.

“The gaffer has been really good, hopefully I can play a lot more games for him. At my age, going out on loan is something you just have got to do and the longer I can extend the loan and stay here, the better it is.

“At Boro I’m seen as an out and out forward, a bit like Stevie Howard in holding the ball up and bringing others into play, but here it’s been a bit different for me.

“I’ve turned and played others in and linked up the play, but I enjoy it.

“Long-term, I want to prove myself at Boro and this is all about gaining experience as a footballer. If I can stay for the season and then go back to Boro, I’ll be a better player for it.

“I’m from South Bank in Middlesbrough, so I’m well aware of Hartlepool over the years.’’ Wyke could have scored at the weekend when presented with a chance, but admitted: “I had a chance in the second half to score, it came to me quick and I think I caught to too sweet, I went for the bottom corner but the keeper got something on it and it was disappointing not to take it.

“We changed things about after getting battered firsthalf and tried to play more football which was really good and positive from us.

“We felt we were unlucky, but we know we need to improve our passing and working the angles across the pitch when we have the ball. But the new gaffer wants us to do that and encourages it.’’