HARTLEPOOL United boss Neale Cooper has introduced two more young guns to the first-team - and he has every confidence in them.

Jack Wilkinson and Darren Craddock were given their debuts in last Saturday's FA Cup win over Whitby.

The pair arrived as second-half substitutes and, after impressive cameo appearances, the Pool boss feels they are ready for more.

Already this season Cooper and right-hand man Martin Scott have promoted Matty Robson, John Brackstone, Jim Provett and David Foley to the first-team.

Wilkinson and Craddock are likely to be involved in tomorrow's home game with Rushden, with striker Wilkinson in line for a role because Marco Gabbiadini is missing through suspension.

Brackstone netted his first goal in the FA Cup win with a curling free-kick and is being given an extended run at left-back.

Pool will be desperate to carry on their unbeaten home run against Rushden, the last team to beat Pool at Victoria Park in a league game in September last year and the team who stole the title last season after Pool had been 14 points in front.

Cooper said: "Jack came on and was very lively. He's had a couple of reserve games, but has only played 15 or 20 minutes in them.

"I've liked the look of him since I came to the club and he was class against Whitby. He trained with the first-team all week and his movement was good and used the ball well.

"He has great vision and passing ability, he has good technique and is quick - he rarely gives the ball away.

"I've said all along that if boys are good enough they will get in the team. You learn about their characters and these boys have not been overawed by it.

"It was a pleasing debut for two youngsters last week.''

Brackstone suffered a slight groin last week but should be fit tomorrow and Cooper said: "Every game he has played he has done well. He won a man of the match award against Whitby and he will get stronger.

"There's a few young players came through this season and that's why we have been able to send players out on loan because they need games.''

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