STEVE Howey will this afternoon be given the chance to earn a short-term contract at Hartlepool United.

The former Newcastle and England defender will play for Pool's reserve side at Barnsley and is likely to sign until the end of the season ahead of the transfer deadline.

Howey's last club in England was Bolton Wanderers, where he left last summer. His final appearance was in the 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in April before moving to America to play for the New England Revolution.

"Hopefully he'll get a game in the reserves," said Cooper. "It's something we will look at and it may be a case of getting him in short-term because he has not played for ages.

"He can provide decent cover if we can get him match-fit. He admits he's not yet. He's 33 and people think he's a lot older because he's been around a long time.

"But he has played at the top level and has a lot of experience. He played in a practice game last week and fitted in very well.

"We've brought a couple of new players in this season and now is the time to look again before Thursday."

Pool striker Joel Porter is still wanted by Adelaide United in his homeland. After missing out on one striking target, spokesman Angelo Picca said: "We also have Joel Porter knocking on the door for a possible release from England."

* Pool's youth team play their final game in the group stage of the Dallas Cup today.

They won their opening game, 1-0 against Jubilo Iwata thanks to a David Foley goal, and drew 0-0 with Mexican side Tigres. They top group A and, if they beat Califonians So Cal United, they will secure a place in Friday's semi-final.