COLIN COOPER has confirmed Clinton Morrison and Jordan Laidler are on trial at Hartlepool United.

With his side netting only five goals in League Two this season, Cooper is looking to add to his attacking options and reiterated the notion that Financial Fair Play rules don’t have as much of a bearing on his plans as previous.

Morrison, who has also been with Carlisle – Saturday’s opponents – on trial and played for them in an 8-0 behind-closed-doors defeat to a Newcastle United XI -  left Colchester at the end of last season. He was with Pools on Tuesday, but not at Maiden Castle today because of a family commitment.

Laidler, who has been playing with West Auckland in the Northern League, was freed by Sunderland in May and has yet to make a first-team appearance after playing for the Black Cats’ Under-18 and Under-21 sides.

“We have had trialists through the door this week to have a look or bolster the numbers and raise the quality – if they come off then we will be boosted by it,’’ said Cooper.

“It doesn’t all depend on me, but the players as well. If I get someone in who I like the look of then there is nothing to stop us doing the deal.’’