NEALE Cooper has saluted rookie defender John Brackstone after the 20-year-old helped Hartlepool United to back-to-back wins.

Following the defeat by Luton last week, Pool's first since December 7, Cooper's side beat Port Vale and Brentford to strengthen their play-off hopes.

They travel to rock-bottom Stockport tomorrow, and have a good chance to make it three in a row.

Pool were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brentford, but gained some measure of revenge with Tuesday's win and Cooper said: "Of course, everyone was disappointed with the FA Cup game and we feel that affected the Luton game as well. But what a way to come back.

"We were so strong the other night and at Port Vale.

"I've been really pleased with the way we have been playing and long may it continue.

"The full backs pressed on against Brentford, they picked up their deeper players because they played with one up front.

Brackstone replaced the injured Hugh Roberston and Cooper said: "Hugh's foot is still a bit uncomfortable, but Bracker has had two great games.

"He was very solid again. He man marked and was excellent.

"He used the ball well and his challenges were strong and firm. Brentford are the sort of team who play in your face and it really suited him."

* Darlington's promotion aspirations may not be realised until May, but assistant manager Mark Proctor last night revealed preparations are already underway for next season.

While Quakers' quest for League One football tops the agenda with 12 games to go, manager David Hodgson and Proctor have also started their search for new talent.

Hundreds of players will be out of contract, Hodgson and Proctor have been inundated with letters from agents.

Sunderland pair Jonjo Dickman and Richard Ryan are free agents in the summer and were watched by Hodgson in a Quakers reserve game last week.

Hodgson has confirmed his interest in signing Dickman until the end of the season, but will run the rule over more players in the coming weeks.

"We're already beginning to plan for next year," revealed Proctor. "We've been sent masses of CVs over the last couple of weeks. It's important that we're ahead of the queue for the best players."

A striker remains Hodgson's immediate priority and talks have taken place with Newcastle with a view to signing Lewis Guy on loan.

"Ideally, we would like to bring at least another striker in," admitted Proctor.

Read more about Hartlepool here.