NEW recruit Danny Byrne is set for his Football League bow this afternoon after moving to Hartlepool United.

Byrne will start on the right wing against Swindon at Victoria Park, as Pool aim to put last week's slump at Plymouth to bed.

Assistant manager Martin Scott - whose reserve team remain unbeaten this season - believes the players are already feeling the benefits from his arrival from Manchester United earlier this week.

"You can see it has given everyone a little lift,'' said Scott. "I think it's the right time to get someone new to the club.

"The lads in the squad have done tremendously well this season and we are in a really good position.

"I think the fans appreciate what they have done so far. But it's time for a fresh face or two. We were disappointing last week at Plymouth, but this isn't a quick knee-jerk reaction to that performance.

"Me, Neale and Tommy Miller have been looking at games all the time in the last few weeks. We've been close to getting players in already, but things haven't happened for one reason or another.

"There has been a couple of Manchester United players we have liked the look of and Danny has agreed to come here.

"His arrival has given the lads a lift in training - you could see that straight away. We have allowed a few players to go out on loan - Adam Boyd, Paul Arnison and Tony Williams - and that has meant we can bring new players in and allow the youngsters to come through.'' Scott and Cooper have proved this season they are not afraid to introduce the youngsters to Division Two. Jack Wilkinson and Darren Craddock are the latest to make their mark and Scott added: "It's been good for the players to go out on loan and we've had a good response from the young lads who have come in.

"Sometimes it's difficult to lift yourselves for reserve games, but it's credit to the players that they haven't had that problem.

"Introducing the younger kids is, I feel, important for their progress. If they play well for the youth team consistently, then they are rewarded with a place in the reserves.''

Scott's side beat Darlington 3-2 on Wednesday and he added: "Andrew Jordan played well. He was 100 per cent better than he has been. It was good to see Jon Bass perform well in defence as well.''

Australian striker Joel Porter is in today's squad after his international clearance came through last night. He signed a short-term deal in midweek, but was unable to play in the reserves' win over Darlington. Scott said: "Joel has always wanted to play in England. He came over on his own accord and we have watched him do really well in training.

"It's taken him time to get fit, or at least get up to our fitness levels, but he has been looking sharp and deserves the chance to stay here for longer.'' Swindon will include Tommy Mooney, the Billingham-born striker who was back home earlier this week - when he met up with the man he will be out to beat this afternoon, Pool keeper Jim Provett.

He said: "I was at a do with family and friends and Jimmy was one of those who happened to be there.

"He told me Hartlepool had been very poor at Plymouth Argyle last Saturday and that their gaffer had had them in for Sunday training.

"It's clear their manager has very high standards and won't accept players dropping below them. We have high expectations at this club as well and we know we will have to put in another good performance to get a result.''

Mooney, who trained at Middlesbrough's Rockcliffe Park yesterday with is teammates added: "I understand they haven't lost at home for more than a season but the simple fact is that records are there to be broken."

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