NEALE Cooper hopes his the current pre-season run of home friendlies is the start of something positive for Hartlepool United.

Pools, who have beat Sunderland and drew with Middlesbrough and Hull in the last 11 days, take on Newcastle at Victoria Park this evening (7.30).

Cooper, who lost 6-0 to an Alan Shearer-inspired Magpies side in 2003 during his first spell in charge, is keen on forging positive relationships with his North-East neighbours.

"Newcastle have been in Holland over the weekend, it will be a hard game. They did wonderful last year and will go for it again,'' he said.

"We lost 6-0 to them last time I was here in pre-season, Bellamy and Shearer were unplayable - we don't want that to happen again!

"But it's nice to play against the big North-East teams. I had a really good chat with Tony Mowbray last Tuesday about things, and I spoke to Martin O'Neill over the summer because we had young Ryan (Noble) here on loan last season.

"I don't really know Alan Pardew, I've met him but that's about it. But hopefully we can get a close relationship with all three. That's part of the plan.

"Even (Hull boss) Steve Bruce on Saturday said he would be willing to help us, he could have one or two to go out on loan. It's all about making a connection and that is important for us.''

Pardew is likely to field Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye tonight.

He said: "We are looking forward to it. It is another game and the guys who did not get the main bulk of it in Holland will do on Tuesday.

"Possibly (Ben Arfa will be involved), but he is way behind and for a number of reasons.''

The Magpies go to Cardiff City on Saturday.

Pools will be at Crewe in the Captial One cup at the same time.

Cooper admitted: "We've had Boro and Sunderland and it would be nice to finish it off with a good display against Newcastle, a big test for us against a strong team.

"My players enjoyed playing in front of the Sunderland and Middlesbrough fans, Sunderland brought over 3,000 which is tremendous.

"Newcastle will be a big test, again it's about fitness levels for the players.''

Admission this evening is £10 and £5 concessions, with the visiting supporters housed in both the Mill House Stand and Rink End, with admission from the Mill House side of Victoria Park.

Pools fans will be in the Town End and Cyril Knowles Stand, with admission from Clarence Road.