Robbie Elliott has hinted he has his sights set on breaking up Danny Wilson's first choice centre half pairing of Ben Clark and Micky Nelson.

Elliott, who signed for Hartlepool this month after being released from Leeds United, made his debut for Pools in the club's first pre-season friendly against his old team Newcastle on Tuesday night.

The former Magpies defender took his bow as a second half substitute at Victoria Park and his 62nd minute corner nearly provided the home side an equaliser against their Premier League opponents. But the referee ruled out Clark's goal for an infringement.

Aftrer playing out his 45- minute cameo in the more familiar role of left back, Elliott later made it known that he would prefer to play at the heart of the defence.

Pools' promotion to League One last term was built on the solid foundations provided by Clark and Nelson. But Wilson feels by bringing in more competition it will keep the pair on their toes.

The Hartlepool manager has brought Godwin Antwi in on loan from Liverpool with that in mind and Elliott's revelation will give Wilson even more food for thought.

The former Newcastle defender said: "Obviously there is a lot of competition. The lads did exceptionally well last year and I'm not thinking I am just going to walk into the side. But I am going to give everything in pre-season and see how we go.

"I would probably say centre-half is my preferred choice but I'm not going to turn down a position in the side. I'd be stupid.

"But the manager said that the signings have maybe given him an option of changing formations, which he hadn't had last year."

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