YOU would imagine summer signing Tom Pope would be brimming with confidence after helping his new team navigate the first week of the season unbeaten.

But the former Port Vale hero did not cut a happy figure following Bury’s 2-1 victory at Wigan in the first round of the Capital One Cup.

The 29-year-old striker was clearly frustrated with his own game after failing to fire in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Doncaster.

After being dropped to the bench at the DW Stadium, Pope then missed a decent chance to open his account following his introduction as a second-half substitute.

And he was not shy in letting his frustrations known in the post-match press conference.

“On Saturday the team put in a great performance and I was poor,” he said.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m an honest guy and I’m honest with myself. I’m my own biggest critic.

“It was difficult because I don’t think the service on Saturday was anything like tonight, but I’ve got to do better than I did.”

Pope may not have been thrilled with his display at Doncaster but he certainly had a positive effect on the team at Wigan after replacing Danny Mayor at the start of the second half.

His header into the danger area from a Chris Hussey free kick was instrumental in creating a good shooting chance for Tom Soares.

And the Bury midfielder returned the favour shortly afterwards, putting Pope through on goal, although he will have wanted to forget his weak shot in a hurry.

Despite that disappointment, the striker was still eager to show for the ball and the Shakers’ match-winning penalty followed a challenge by Craig Morgan on him in the box.

“I’m certainly capable of more than I have shown,” he added, explaining he would use his negative energy for a positive effect in Bury’s first home game of the season against Swindon on Saturday.

“I feed off negativity. I let things get to me sometimes.

“When I am fired up that’s when you get the best out of me and that’s what I will try to do.

“In front of your own fans you want them on your side, enjoying watching you and admiring your passion and your energy.

“That’s something I try to do and I think, with the way I play, some of the fans might enjoy that.

“I do like a good wrestle and a tear up.

“And with the midfield we have got, which has an abundance of quality, if we can keep getting the ball forward in good areas then the goals are there for us.”