NEALE Cooper admits Danny Byrne is finding out about the physical and mental demands of Division Two football the hard way.

Byrne has yet to make an impression in three performances for Hartlepool United after arriving on loan from Manchester United last month.

He has started three games, but has been taken off in the second half on each occasion, the latest during Saturday's 4-1 reverse at leaders Queen's Park Rangers.

Cooper said: "Danny gave the ball away too much on Saturday - I think he's finding it a wee bit tough.

"It's a big eye-opener for him. When you have a player like that, who is capable of doing good things on the ball, there has got to be something different, something special, there.

"But he's in with the big boys now.''

Cooper added: "Some of the boys have to be mentally stronger and be able to compete at places like QPR -and we didn't do that. Some of them were weak.

"We are a young side and we have to learn from days like Saturday. The game showed what is needed to be right up there, challenging at the top.

"We must be able to be handle playing against the big boys.''

Pool's other loan signing, Chris Shuker, started his first game on Saturday. He has also spent time away from Man City on a temporary basis this season at Rochdale.

The Liverpool-born midfielder teed up Eifion Williams for Pool's consolation goal at Loftus Road and said: "The league position shows that things are being done right here and it's something I am looking forward to.

"It's a hard league and I am expecting some hard games like Saturday's.

"I spent time at Rochdale and it was all right, but they were struggling a bit to be honest. I've come here to play with better players and play a higher standard.''

Pool have yet to announce ticket details for the FA Cup tie at Sunderland on Saturday, January 3.

Read more about Hartlepool here.