RONNIE MOORE’S search for a striker restarted yesterday after Cambridge United kept hold of Ryan Bird.

The forward’s initial month-long loan at Pools ended after Saturday#s win over Morecambe.

And, while he was never going to be able to play for Pools against the Us this weekend, he could now line up against Moore’s side.

He scored two goals in six outings and Moore was desperately disappointed to lose him when Cambridge informed Pools on Sunday night he was going back.

Bird tweeted: "Players, fans & staff at HUFC, thank you for having me, it has been a pleasure, I've loved every minute of it #NSD #The GreatEscape.

"The decision for me to stay was totally out of hands! Good luck for the rest of the season.’’

Moore yesterday watched Sheffield Wednesday’s Under-21 side beat Charlton 2-0 yesterday, with two goals from striker Rhys McCabe.

“Cambridge have a couple of injuries now so they’ve decided to call him back,” said Moore.

“We’re disappointed but we have to thank Cambridge for allowing him to come here and we’ve enjoyed having him in the squad.

“Finding a striker is hard but we have three or four names on the list so it’s about getting around to watch some games and work to see what we could do.

“We have until Thursday to get someone in and the Chairman has been great in backing us to try and do it.”

Pools reserves play today at Scunthorpe and Moore said after Saturday’s third win in a row: “It’s a reserve game on Tuesday to come and the lads have worked so hard all week with the travelling, so they will be in Monday, and probably off Tuesday and Wednesday just to try and get energy levels back in them after a long week.

“Cambridge game to come and Scott Fenwick is probably two weeks away, not a lot of choices but a chance for someone to come in.’’

Scunthorpe boss Mark Robins has considered recalling David Mirfin back from his loan at Pools, but hinted the centre-half will stay.

He said: “There are a couple of things to consider when bringing David back and it is certainly an argument I have been weighing up.

“However, there is another element - the financial situation. We can’t keep spending without balancing the books but if it is the right thing we will look to do something.

“However, we should have enough in the building to take care of things.’’