MATTHEW Bates has returned to his former club to try and boost Hartlepool United’s goal output.

Striker Tyrone O’Neill has moved to Pools on loan until the end of the year.

Grangetown-based O’Neill impressed Bates in last Sunday’s Under-23 game, scoring for Paul Stephenson’s Boro team in a 2-1 win over Norwich City.

He then turned out for Boro in their Checkatrade Trophy game at Burton in midweek before signing for Pools yesterday.

"He’s still only young but I am sure he’s a player who the fans will enjoy watching because he’s whole-hearted, works very hard and he will offer something different to what we’ve got,” said Bates of the striker who has been given permission to play in today’s FA Cup tie at Gillingham.

Bates is hoping for a positive reaction from his players after last weekend’s 4-0 humbling at Bromley.

“We weren’t good enough – incidents happened at the wrong time and we move on. We discussed it and watched the game on Monday, trained well since and put it to bed,’’ said the manager of Pools’ third defeat in a row.

“Players had their say, players said their piece and we are all singing from the same hymn sheet. We all have opinions and are all similar.

“It would be nice to have the chance to get it right in the league straight away, but this now gives us two weeks to work on the next league game. This is a tough one, but the performance is important.

“The pressure might be off us slightly. It’s a competition I like and we want to progress as far as we can – play with freedom and with the shackles off.’’

The Gills are 17th in League One, having won their last three games.

“The draw was made and they were struggling – since then they’ve picked up!’’ smiled Bates. “They are a League One side, so it’s a tough game, a tough place to go and why can’t we go and beat them? We have to be our best and we all have to be on top of the game.

“The competition is loved by everyone, look at the last round teams from a lower division always beat higher divisons. We want to go and impress and do well. We have to play out of our skins if you like and give a performance – why can’t we.

“Can we rise to the challenge and get back on a good run.

“We have a couple of suspensions in defence, but we have a strong squad.’’

Peter Kioso is suspended today after being sent-off last weekend. The centre-half has impressed all since his summer move from Aylesbury and Bates is sure he will bounce back from his poor performance at Bromley.

He said: “Peter has been brilliant this season, he had a bad day. He is only just turned 19 and two weeks off being a second-year scholar so that shows how young he is. He’s played most games and been a great find.

“He will have a big future and you aren’t defined by making mistakes, it’s how you bounce back from them. Bering suspended this week may not be a bad thing for him as it gives him the chance to refresh his mind and refresh his legs to go again.’’