HE'S been 'ducking and diving' and John Hughes yesterday secured a signing at Hartlepool United.

Charlie Wyke has already been at the club since October on loan from Middlesbrough but yesterday extended his stay until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old striker has made eight appearances, but started the last five games under Hughes, who said: "We worked hard behind the scenes to get him here. He's done well and the next stage is for him to score goals and that will come.

"I like him, he works hard in training, always gets a sweat on and we are pleased to extend his spell. We are working hard to bring players in and bring the right players in.

"It's important to get the right players and it has to be right for us both in terms of character and finance. We are ducking and diving and at the salary capping level.''

One Boro prospect Pools have missed out on is Matty Dolan. The midfielder trained with Pools but last week signed a loan deal with Yeovil that, while announced as a month-long deal is expected to become a three-month stint at Huish Park.

"We had Matty Dolan here, we wanted him and he chose to go to Yeovil,'' said Hughes. "I take full responsibility for that, I was too slow in arranging a deal.

"We lost out on that one, but he is a player I feel the fans could identify with and one I would like to see here in the future.

"I want good footballers here, those who are comfortable on the ball, can take a pass, can nurse the ball and control it. It's simple talking, but doing it in 11 v 11 with fans shouting and balling have they the bravery and composure to do it.

"I feel if anyone can enhance the squad then I will do it.''

Pools to go Shrewsbury tomorrow after surprisingly winning their previous away game, 3-2 at Sheffield United.

That was two weeks ago, but Pools lost their next game at home to Preston.

Hughes has a full compliment of players available tomorrow and said: "Shrewsbury is a game we go to confident. Everyone is fit and available and we have options. Neil Austin has been on in midfield from the bench, so we look at that. We went five at the back against Preston to be positive and it worked so we look at that.

"No stone will be unturned to bring players to the club or coach them and improve them in the system we play to give them the best chance possible.

"We are in a situation where people are writing us off and we have to appreciate the job you have as a professional footballer. Enjoy it and that should be motivation enough.

"Anyone not thinking like that or looking on it as a downer, then my message is I say I[m here to turn the club around, I have my vision and come and be part of it. We might take some sore ones, but I'm confident of taking Hartlepool back to playing a style of football where the fans will be proud to be a supporter.''