JOE GAMBLE yesterday completed the formalities of his transfer from Cork City to Hartlepool United.

Manager Chris Turner feels he has finally landed the combative, ball-winning midfielder his side have been lacking this season, and the 27-year-old is in line to make his debut in Saturday’s game at Charlton Athletic.

Twice capped by the Republic of Ireland under then boss Steve Staunton in 2007, and with eight under- 21 appearances to his name, Gamble spent a week on trial at Pools last month, impressing Turner enough to be offered a permanent deal.

He links up at Victoria Park with former Cork team-mates Denis Behan and Leon McSweeney.

Gamble, handed squad number 30, was valued at around 150,000 euros, but with Cork struck down by financial troubles, the midfielder, reported to be owed wages from his club last month, is believed to have exited on a free transfer.

Turner, who spotted Gamble while scouting Behan in the League of Ireland last year, told the club website: “Joe is a ballwinning, passing midfielder who will bring some balance to the squad.

“I’ve felt he is the kind of player we have been missing.

“He wears his heart on his sleeve but can play football, organises and talks to people on the pitch.’’ The Pools boss hopes Gamble’s arrival will help his side build on their promising opening half to the season.

Pools are 11th in League One after last weekend’s win over Oldham and go to The Valley this weekend for the first time in a Football League game.

“We all know how tough the division is this year, certain teams could run away with it,’’ said Turner.

“We blitzed Millwall here 3- 0 and they haven’t lost since and drew with Derby in the FA Cup. We can match them and compete with anyone.

“We need our squad fit and ready to beat the boys at the top and I think this division is getting like the Premier League.

“At the start of the season you knew who would be up there – Southampton would be without the minus ten points, and there’s the top few and as for the rest of the clubs we are as good as them when everyone is fit and available.

“To say we had 12 signings in at the start of the season like we did I’m quite pleased, I always want more, everyone does.

“If we can get 35-40 points in the second half of the season, that should ensure top ten and I would be delighted with that."