DARRYL Duffy is due to stay at Hartlepool United until January 2, but Pools fear the striker could make an early return to Hull City.

Last Friday's goal in the victory over Rochdale was his fourth in six games since moving to Pools in early November.

He was watched by Phil Brown, Hull's caretaker manager, last week, but Pools will hope the fact that the Tigers bagged four in the weekend win over Cardiff will convince Brown he already has enough firepower in his ranks.

Duffy's goals have helped Pools into the top seven and skipper Micky Barron admitted: "The loan lads have come into the club and made a good impression. Duffers has been scoring his share of goals for us and all season that's what we have been looking for.

"He's here to stick the ball in the net and he's been doing exactly that. It's a bit frustrating at times because he doesn't hold it up for us sometimes, but it doesn't matter when he's scoring goals like he is.

"I hope he can stay here for longer. He's due to go back to Hull next month.

"Someone said his manager was at the game the other night and if he's scoring goals then I'm sure Hull will be wanting to take him back.

"But it's a double-edged sword because if he's scoring goals for us then they have another look at him and take him back.

But he's just what we need, someone to get us a goal out of nothing.''

Pools also have Andy Monkhouse on loan, from Swindon Town, and the winger is due to play his last game for Pools on Saturday when they go to Bury.

Monkhouse has won each of his four games since moving to Victoria Park and hasn't ruled out extending his stay.

"My last game is Bury but I'm intending to speak to the manager of Swindon, see what his plans are and my plans are and hopefully go from there,'' he said.

"I don't really know what my preference is. Paul Sturrock said come here for a month, it's nothing longer than that. So unless something changes I expect to go back.

"But if Hartlepool and the gaffer want me to stay I would be delighted to stay, especially the way we are playing at the minute.

"It's a lot easier when the team is winning - that's five on the bounce now."