TRIALISTS Steve Howey and Thomas Butler both came through 90 minutes of reserve action for Hartlepool United yesterday, but the club is tightlipped over whether they have a future at Victoria Park.

Former Newcastle United defender Howey, and midfielder Butler, a former Sunderland player, turned out in the 3-1 triumph over Barnsley in South Yorkshire.

It is thought Pool boss Neale Cooper may seek to sign the pair on short-term deals ahead of today's transfer deadline, but contracts have yet to be signed.

Reserve team boss Martin Scott said: "Steve cruised through the game against a young Barnsley side and looked comfortable throughout, while Thomas put some great balls in, especially in the first half.

"They are both short of match fitness but they need these kind of games to improve this."

Meanwhile, Jack Ross returned from an ankle injury to play 30 minutes in yesterday's encounter with the Tykes which saw Pool win thanks to goals from Gavin Strachan, Steven Istead and Andy Appleby.

"Jack came on for the last 30 minutes and it was nice to see him back in action," said Scott. "He's made good progress and although he's still feeling slight discomfort in his ankle, it's good to have him back playing games."

Scott's men started the game in style, Butler whipping over a cross for Strachan to head home after just two minutes.

More good work by Butler, whose last club was Scottish outfit Dunfirmline, saw the ball played to Karl Richards who found Istead, the player volleying past the keeper for number two.

Pools effectively sealed the victory just before half-time when Appleby tapped home from close-range.

Trialist Damien Reeves grabbed a second-half consolation for Barnsley.

Pool: Konstantopoulos; Barron, Richards, Fox, Wilkinson, Howey, Istead (Ross, 58 mins), Strachan, Daly, Appleby, Butler. Sub (not used): J.Wilkinson.

* Rotherham expect to complete the permanent signing of Hull midfielder Michael Keane before today's transfer deadline.

The Irishman joined the Millers on loan earlier this month after falling out of favour with Tigers boss Peter Taylor when he was sent off for headbutting Sheffield United's Stephen Quinn in a reserve game. A Millers spokesman said: ''The deal will probably be concluded on Thursday, but to all intents and purposes it is done and dusted.''

* Doncaster Rovers' £150,000 bid for Stockport and Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney appears to have failed.

Read more about Hartlepool here.