NEALE Cooper last night signed his second striker of the close season with the capture of Paul Robinson.

The former Newcastle and Darlington striker, 24, impressed since joining Hartlepool United on trial and Tuesday's goal at Berwick was his third in as many games after netting against Sunderland and Leeds.

Robinson was released from Wimbledon at the end of last season after suffering a miserable time in London and Cooper believes the chance to come back to the North-East has spurred the striker on.

He didn't play in last night's 4-1 win over Billingham Town - Cooper fielded a reserve side - and the Pool boss said: "It's nice to be able to get him here.

"He is a bubbly character and has done nothing but impress us pre-season. He's scored goals in the games he's played and he will score plenty of goals in the new season as well.

"As a North-East lad he wants to be back home and this is a great chance for him''

The Pool boss admitted Robinson's willing attitude has gone a long way to securing him a deal.

"We went to Holland and left him behind and wondered what he would do,'' he said. "But he came in every day and trained with the youth team while we were away.

"For me that shows he is willing and has a good attitude. We wondered if he would try somewhere else or leave things alone while we were away, but that wasn't the case.''

Robinson will play in tomorrow's game with Newcastle at Victoria Park.

The Magpies play at Sheffield Wednesday the same night and Sir Robby Robson has promised to send a strong team to both games.

Another former Magpie netted twice last night as he aims to try to earn a deal at Pool.

Winger Chris Moore opened the scoring when the Billingham keeper fumbled his shot over the line.

Kevin Henderson made it two and Moore's second came before the interval when he fired home as the ball bounced in the penalty area.

Substitute Matty Robson curled in an effort which deceived the home keeper before Town netted a last-minute consolation.