COLIN COOPER yesterday went back to his former club to land another loan signing from Middlesbrough.

The Hartlepool United boss and former Boro coach has landed one of his former Academy players in David Atkinson until the turn of the year.

The 21-year-old joins Charlie Wyke at Victoria Park on loan from the Riverside. After the success of Matty Dolan, Christian Burgess and Luke Williams last season, and Wyke’s good impression this time around, Cooper is confident Atkinson can make his mark.

“David was another one that I spoke to in pre-season. He played against us in pre-season for Middlesbrough,’’ he said.

“His body has suffered over the years because he was always a big young man and had some nasty injuries.

“He had a good end to the season and a good start to pre-season and was up around their first team until fairly recently.

“He is a good addition for me, David is a man and will adapt to League Two without any issues whatsoever.

“David is my size but big across the shoulders.”

Pools and Cooper have been big advocates of the loan system, with Scott Harrison also at Victoria Park on a temporary basis, as well as Newcastle goalkeeper Freddy Woodman.

“When I came here in my tenure as manager I said the perfect thing for the North-East is for us to give their players a chance in the Football League and for them to come and watch them on their doorstep,’’ reflected Cooper.

“Having worked at Middlesbrough and having a relationship with Sunderland too, and with Newcastle I’ve been in communication with Alan Pardew, Steve Stone and John Carver and we have Freddie here which is a start.

“I want the connection to continue and I want the players to have the hunger and desire to roll their sleeves up and have a go.’’

Wyke missed last week’s defeat at Plymouth after he was concussed in the midweek reverse at Northampton.

And he was also late for training yesterday: “Charlie has been to the dentist – as a centre-forward or center-half you don’t get through your career without a knock! He woke up with a massive headache on Wednesday after the game and he’s also cracked a tooth.

“We need to add players. David Atkinson is in and I‘ve been really busy this week. He can play across the defence, or midfield and he is ready for this. He’s had a rough, young career because of injuries and is a terrific footballer.

“I’ve got three or four strikers bubbling in the background as well, just waiting. I’ve been very busy and it’s a case of if we can get them – I’d like to think we can and it’s sometimes a game of patience.’’