CHRIS Westwood can see the footballing similarities between himself and Joel Porter.

The Hartlepool United pair might be at opposite ends of the pitch, but both have impressed this season.

Westwood teed up Porter's 15th goal of the season during Tuesday's deflating draw with Peterborough.

The Aussie has been in sincillating form all season in the forward line with Adam Boyd.

And defender Westwood, now into his sixth season at Victoria Park, can see the benefits of a settling in period at Victoria Park, because he experienced had the same scenario himself in 1999.

"I resemble him to myself,'' he said. "When I came here I hadn't played for 10 months and got a bit of stick.

"But I knew fine well that as soon as I got my fitness back what I could do.

"Once we got him fit there was always a chance he was going to turn out to be the player he is, the way him and Boydy link up is unbelievable.

"I'm glad he's on my side rather than playing against me."

Pool boosted their squad with two additions on transfer deadline day, Thomas Butler and Steve Howey.

Former Sunderland winger has made two starts for his new club, but Howey has only played reserve football.

Butler scored on his debut last week and Westwood said: "It was a nice way for him to start against Swindon with a goal.

"I've seen enough of him when he was at Sunderland to know he will be a good player once he gets his full fitness back.

"Howey is another one with loads of experience. I don't think he's played for four months or something and he needs to get his fitness back.

"But he's a good addition for the club and it keeps us on our toes, me and Micky Nelson especially."

* Pool's home game with Sheffield Wednesday next Friday is all-ticket. Tickets are on sale until 5pm on the day of the game.

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