TWO games in and it’s fair to say Jake Gray is enjoying life at Hartlepool United.

The Crystal Palace midfielder moved to Pools on loan, with his spell due to end on December 5. He would be happy to stay longer.

After his two goals earned Pools a 3-1 win over Orient on Sunday, he admitted: "I'm loving it at the moment and I'm here however long the manager wants me. Happy days."

Gray, 19, has brought some drive and attacking intent to the Pools midfield in his two appearances to date.

With Carl Magnay returning on Sunday, his defensive approach allowed Gray the freedom to attack.

He’s already netted seven times for the Palace Under-21 side this season and admitted: “It is probably my best goal-scoring season so far.

"I'm happy with my play and every time the goal is in front of me then I'm not going to pass up the opportunity to have a go.

"I'm learning every game and adapting quickly

"I'm an attacking player and the manager has encouraged me to get forward when I can.

"Playing a two in centre midfield, I can't keep going forward all the time and leave us vulnerable.

"I need to be clever and choose when I go forward.

"It seems to have gone all right so far but I need to make sure I get back."

He was watched at Victoria Park on Sunday by Mark Bright, who is part of Palace’s Academy coaching staff.

There’s no doubt the former England striker was impressed with his protégé. Remaining at Victoria Park would seemingly suit all parties, as it would give Gray plenty of Football League experience.

And he admitted: "It's not been too hard settling in - the players and staff have been great, from the kit man to the manager. They have been nice helping me with my apartment and stuff like that.

"It's a long way from home but my girlfriend visited this week, but I'm really happy to be up here.

"I'd love to stay. I'm happy playing men's football at the moment, I'm learning all the time.

"I feel as though my game is improving, it's really competitive, and I'm benefiting from that.

"I'm happy to stay for as long as the manager wants me."

Boss Moore has long bemoaned the lack of players capable of moving up from Academy football to the professional game and Gray admitted: "It's quite a difference. You are up against big men, who are strong and are chasing you down.

"I like the hustle and bustle.

"Last week against Cheltenham, I held onto the ball a second too long and a player came through the back of me so that lets you know you need to be sharper.

"That definitely makes you quicker but when you do have time on the ball you need to take it.

"It is a big difference but I love it.’’

Winger Jason Banton has returned to Wycombe. He was due to stay on loan at Pools until January 3, but after five substitute appearances his loan has been cut short.

And another loanee, defender Magnus Okuonghae is back at Luton after a month at Victoria Park.

“He was injured, that’s why he went back,” said Moore. “We’ve got to wait and see how that goes. His metatarsal is really sore – he’s had an X-ray and there’s no break but he tried to train on Friday and he had to pull up after five minutes.

“He’s gone back to Luton.’’

Pools game at Mansfield on Saturday is all-ticket and they are on sale at Victoria Park until 2pm on Friday.