EXETER City boss Paul Tisdale believes playmaker Ryan Harley is reaping the benefits of his new found unselfishness.

The former Bristol City trainee has rocketed to the top of the club's goalscoring charts following a prolific start to the season, which has seen Harley score five times in as many appearances.

And Tisdale believes the Grecians midfielder's early form can be attributed in part to the 25-year-old's desire to become more of a team player.

The St James's Park manager said: "Ryan's coming on really quick — he's not just the talented passing player everyone knows him to be, he is also supremely fit, he makes good decisions and selfless runs.

"He's a convert. He's with us now. It's not just his passing play, he allows others to get on the ball, he's scoring goals and he's a heck of a threat and not only in the moments he wants to be. He's a real hard worker and he's really progressing.

"He is with us in mind and body. He's a convert to what we are asking him to do, he's 100 per cent committed and isn't half a good player.

"Ryan knows he needs to score goals and be a threat. He's doing that and I hope that continues."

Harley has scored at least once in every game that he has featured in so far this term, apart from the 3-0 defeat to Leyton Orient last month.

Two stunning strikes against Ipswich Town in the Carling Cup and a long-range free-kick against Yeovil Town were textbook examples of the ability and flair he brings to the City side. But he has also been working his socks off for the team throughout matches and Harley admitted he was pleased to hear his graft had won praise from the manager.

"I would say so — it's nice for someone to see it at last," Harley joked.

"I do come across as laid back but I like to think I put in as much running as anyone else, apart from Dunnie (James Dunne).

"I do work hard for the team and, as long as the manager sees it, that's all that matters to me.

"It's always nice to start seasons well. I think I generally start seasons well, but not as well as I have this year. That' s five goals for the season now so I'm very happy."

Tisdale has also been impressed with how the Grecians' supporters have been performing in recent weeks.

Hundreds of City fans travelled to Yeovil last week to cheer their side on in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory and there was another big crowd for the home clash with Charlton last weekend.

Supporters face a long trip to Hartlepool United this Saturday as the Grecians take on their npower League One rivals at the Victoria Ground.

But Tisdale is optimistic he will see plenty of familiar faces in the North East.

He said: "The supporters followed us up there (Hartlepool) in their hundreds last year, although it was the penultimate game of the season and a hugely important one.

"They are performing well, were brilliant on Saturday and came out in their numbers on Tuesday. They are in top form and pleased with the way we are playing, so the team's happy."