NEALE Cooper's search for a new striker has ended with the arrival of Kevin Betsy from Barnsley.

The powerful front-runner has moved to Hartlepool, initially on a two-week trial, and was in the North-East last night before joining in training this morning.

It is believed Pool have everything in place to turn the move into either a loan period or a permanent deal if Betsy impresses.

But Betsy may have to prove his fitness before a transfer is done, after failing to appear in any of Barnsley's pre-season games.

New Tykes' boss Paul Hart has not included the 26-year-old in his plans after a summer of restructuring at Oakwell and, after failing to give him a squad number, has told him to look elsewhere.

Cooper, whose only other summer arrival has been Clyde's Jack Ross, admitted: "He is a player we have liked for a while now. We are having a look at him and if he does OK, I'm hopeful it will lead to something further.''

Betsy, born in the Seychelles, made 15 appearances for Fulham before a £350,000 move to Barnsley. Two of his 15 goals for the Tykes came in their 2-1 win at Pool on Boxing Day last season.

He had a penalty saved by Pool keeper Jim Provett in the game at Oakwell in February and scored ten goals in 45 League appearances last season.

* Pool's youth team yesterday beat a Sunderland Academy side 3-1, David Foley scoring twice.

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