CHRISTIAN Burgess made a good impression during his season-long loan at Hartlepool United, and he continues to be of benefit.

Now at Portsmouth after a move from Peterborough during the summer, the former Middlesbrough centre-half helped Pools land Kai Naismith last week.

And the winger made a positive impression on his debut as Pools beat Leyton Orient at Victoria Park.

Naismith only arrived to meet his new team-mates on Saturday morning and trained with them for the first time 24 hours before his debut.

But Pools already knew what they were getting thanks to Burgess.

Boss Ronnie Moore revealed: "It basically came about through Christian Burgess - he tipped us off that Portsmouth were willing to let him go out on loan.

"We were on the front foot and I had a chat with Paul Cook (Pompey boss), who I know well.

"Everything was pretty much done when the circular went out to say that he was available.

"When everyone knows, sometimes you can be swimming against the tide, but we were in front of the game.’’

Naismith was injured in pre-season after moving to Fratton Park on a three-year deal from Accrington in the summer. He’s only made six outings this campaign and Sunday was his first 90 minute performance.

Pools have him on a temporary basis until January 2.

"It's not gone great for him at Portsmouth, but he was great at Accrington, 70-odd games and 11 goals,’’ added Moore. "He played a lot for James Beattie when he was there.

"You can see the quality he has got. He's not the quickest, but he's clever, he's bright, he's got a trick.

"Kai's got a wand of a left foot. He could do the same thing down the left and go by people and whip the balls in.

"He was decent in the role we put him in.

"The vision to get it and play it was fantastic.

"He very seldom gives the ball away which is a good thing, especially for the winger.

"You are forever pulling your hair out with wingers, they do sometimes take chances and are sloppy on the ball.

"I thought his part in the game, not just that goal, was excellent.’’

Moore fielded four loanees against Orient, and two others, Jason Banton and Magnus Okuonghae have returned to their clubs.

They all impressed against the Os and the squad has been freshened up by their arrivals after a poor run of performances and results.

"Things had gone a bit stale and some were not quite working out,’’ said Moore. "There are still one or two players here who need a kick up the backside.

"I'm not going to name names, but they know that, but we need to keep improving."

Pools are at Mansfield on Saturday – the game is all-ticket. Pools will be without skipper Billy Paynter. He is due to see a consultant tomorrow after a small Achilles tear was discovered.

Tickets have yet to be received from Salford City for the FA Cup tie on December 4. They will go on sale on a first-come first-served basis to season ticket holders at Victoria Park when they arrive.