PLAYER of the year Joel Porter yesterday followed Michael Nelson in committing his future to Hartlepool United.

The Australian striker was about to enter the final 12 months of his deal after Pool took up the year-long option available on the player.

But instead, Porter has put pen to paper on a long term deal to remain at the club.

Porter has missed the pre-season campaign after undergoing a knee operation, but Scott is expecting him to play a big role in his promotion plans next season.

"I feel it is important that the players who have performed well in recent years also get extended contracts because Joel has shown what an excellent talent he is and he is a player who can certainly play at a higher level,'' said Scott.

After the arrivals of Chris Llewellyn, Michael Proctor, Lee Bullock and Darren Williams to boost the playing squad, the appointment of Steve Agnew as Scott's assistant and Nelson and Porter both signing new contracts, new boss Scott couldn't be happier with the support he has received.

"Not only have the chairman and IOR backed my opinion on new signings, they have also shown the backing with the players who are at the club already,'' he said.

Porter won't be involved tonight when Pool send teams to both Hibernian and Berwick Rangers.

Scott will split his squad, but Easter Road will see the majority of his first-teamers, with the Shieldfield Park team young professionals.

And, after comfortable wins over both Middlesbrough and York in the past week, Scott couldn't be happier with how things are going.

"We've played a few games now, but York was probably more like we are going to face next season,'' he said.

"The players were told at half-time that they didn't start in the right manner, but they were also told the positives in that we had scored some good goals and, once we settled down, played good football.

"We know how many minutes the players have had pre-season and we changed things about again on Saturday to make sure players are building up their time.

"The system was changed around as well because they will be times during the season when we need to and there's the likes of Darren Williams who got 15 or 20 minutes towards the end.

"Overall, Saturday was a good workout for us - we kept another clean sheet which was very pleasing, we've started well on that front.

"I've got a good set of lads here and I've got a problem because I have a big squad here now.

"I've told them that we will start working down towards the start now and it's up to the players to show me they will be involved against Bradford on August 7.

"Some players have done very well pre-season, others haven't done as well and could do a bit more.

"Hibs will prove a good test and we will split the squad for the game at Berwick to make sure everyone gets a run out.''

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