COLIN Cooper had a clear message after seeing his Hartlepool United goalkeeper prove unbeatable against Middlesbrough: Scott Flinders is not for sale.

Last season's player of the year made a string of fine stops, including a second-half penalty save from Lukas Jutkiewicz as the teams drew 0-0 at Victoria Park.

Flinders is under contract at Pools and, after an impressive personal season last time, there have been plenty of admirers from higher divisions but no offers for his services - not that Cooper would welcome any.

"Scott was superb,'' said Cooper. "If I'm a scout watching that game from any club in the Championship or League One, I'd be picking the phone up to see about having a dabble on Scott Flinders, but it's not going to happen.

"He is an integral part - THE integral part - of the team. He was outstanding. If anyone makes a phone call, the answer is no.''

The other Pools player to catch the eye was midfielder Brad Walker. The 17-year-old from Billingham replaced Simon Walton in central midfield at half-time and gave an impressive display.

Walker was at Boro's academy as a schoolboy before moving to Pools in 2010 and Cooper was full of praise after a confident cameo.

"I think Craig Hignett knew him from working with him at Middlesbrough's Academy and he did brilliantly,'' reflected Cooper.

"Aged 17, to step across from the youth team to the first team environment and handle it the way he has is good.

"Talent gives you a foothold in the group and he showed, without doubt, that he will be in and around the first team from now on.

"I think he's got a big future.''

Scoring goals has proved a problem for Pools in recent seasons and Cooper is searching for a formula to resolve the situation.

With Jon Franks and Jack Compton on the flanks, Andy Monkhouse and Luke James appear to be his preferred choice up front.

"We huffed and puffed with a few half-chances. Luke looked lively, but he needs some boots with studs in and we need to give him help to get into scoring positions,'' said Cooper.

"Creating chances comes from all ways.

"It's up to the wingers to be positive and get crosses into the box. Then we head to the box and support them.

"The other way is someone like James Poole, who can play in and behind the strikers, in little pockets of space who can create things.

"But we didn't find the finishing touch in there."