CLINTON Morrison could line up for Hartlepool United against Carlisle tomorrow; alternatively the out of contract striker could appear for the Cumbrians against Pools.

Morrison, 35, trained with Pools on Tuesday, while he has also been with the Cumbrians, who this week arranged a friendly with a Newcastle XI, which was won 8-0 by Peter Beardsley’s side. He left Colchester at the end of last season. 

Bottom placed Carlisle visit Victoria Park to face third-bottom Pools.

Pools are also looking at Jordan Laider, who was freed by Sunderland at the end of last season and has been playing for West Auckland in the Northern League this season.

Cooper, who reiterated that circumstances which meant Pools were dogged by the stringent Financial Fair Play rules have eased, said: “Clinton was not in today [Thursday] as he has a family commitment but he was in Tuesday and liked what he saw. He is keen to try and do something.

“It is not very often that people like Clinton Morrison are out of contract. I am interested and he showed a great enthusiasm and will when he was here Tuesday.’’

He added: “Clinton is a good guy and still wants to win, which I like.

“I had a conversation with Clinton Wednesday and will speak to him again and if something can be done and we can do it before the weekend then great. We’ll see where we are.’’

Laidler, 19, was a regular in the Black Cats’ Under-18s and Under-21s before being freed without making a senior appearance for the club.

Cooper,  however, is keen on giving him a second chance in the professional game.

“I saw Jordan play a lot last year and he was always one I was keen to have a look at,’’ Cooper admitted.

“He has the potential, he is still only a young man. He is really keen to be here - why would I not have a look?

“I know Jordan has been playing for West Auckland to - in his own words - keep himself fit and ticking over.

“I think he could score goals at League Two if he has that real drive and he tells me he does. He certainly has the technical ability, the pace and the power.

“I am keen to keep him here to take a closer look and try and get him in a competitive fixture.

“With us having Scott Harrison here Kevin Ball was down the other day and he had a little word in Jordan’s ear about shining and expressing himself while he is here.

“He has that potential and hopefully we can keep him a bit longer and hopefully he shows me what he has.’’

Cooper, with Pools recording only five goals in League Two this season so far, added: “I have watched two games this week, I was watching Middlesbrough against West Bromwich at our place on Monday and then drove down to Burnley on Tuesday to watch Burnley v Hull to see a couple of players recommended to me.

“I am still on the lookout.

“We have five loans in now and it is a different scenario with unattached players because if it clicks then you can get the deals done quickly.”