NEALE Cooper is ready to reward more of his first-team regulars with new contracts.

After Mark Tinkler signed a new deal to extend his stay at Hartlepool for a further two years, the Pool boss is now turning his attention to securing the services of his other out-of-contract favourites.

Tinkler and Micky Barron have signed and Ritchie Humphreys and Chris Westwood will be among the next in line for talks.

Tuesday's comprehensive win over Brentford put Pool into fourth place, with a healthy gap of seven points between themselves and Bristol City, the team just outside the play-off slots.

Whatever division Pool are playing in next season - League One or the Championship - Cooper wants to see his mainstays play their part.

"Tinks deserves his deal,'' said Cooper. "He has been a great player for me in the time I have been at the club.

"We are looking after all the lads who have been regulars and are doing well and there will be a few more to come as well.

"I've had a chat with a few, but we are just going through them one by one.''

Tinkler is sidelined with a calf injury and Westwood is out after suffering a hamstring strain. The pair are stepping up their rehabilitation this week and are likely to be back before the three-week period they were expected to be out. Westwood may be in the frame for Saturday's trip to bottom-of-the-table Stockport.

Gavin Strachan again impressed in Tinkler's central midfield role as Pool made it back-to-back wins following the defeat to leaders Luton last week.

"He ran the game from the middle,'' enthused Cooper. "He kept possession, put his foot in and sprayed some lovely balls around.

"He hasn't played as much football this season as last but he is showing what a good player he is."It was a great performance overall - one of the best we have had at home this season."