NEALE Cooper last night hailed the emergence of Hartlepool United's talented young defender John Brackstone.

The 18-year-old full-back - born and bred in the town - made his full debut in Tuesday night's 2-1 win at Chesterfield after staking his claim as a second half substitute for Mark Robinson at Blackpool three days earlier.

Brackstone turned in a solid display and now seems a certain starter for the visit of Wycombe on Saturday.

"He's only a young boy but he has done very well in both games," said Cooper. "Some of the balls he played in behind the Chesterfield defence were tremendous.

"You could see how tired he was on Tuesday but that's because he hasn't been involved. I was delighted with his contribution."

Depending on the fitness of veteran striker Marco Gabbiadini - who suffered a fall at home on Tuesday - Marcus Richardson could keep his place this weekend.

The former Torquay man, who returned from a successful loan spell at Third Division Lincoln this week, was involved in Pool's first goal against Chesterfield and Cooper was impressed with the way Richardson linked up with Eifion Williams.

"He gave us something different and worked the line really hard alongside Eifion," said Cooper.

"I know Marcus' touch could be better at times but I thought he did exceptionally well."

* Pool's reserve side stay top of the league after beating Grimsby 2-1 at Bedford Terrace yesterday. Scorers for Pool were Andrew Jordan and Jermaine Easter.

Read more about Hartlepool here.