LOAN ranger James Coppinger is poised for a return to Hartlepool United.
The Newcastle United forward enjoyed a loan stint at Victoria Park almost two years ago when he helped Pool make the play-offs.
And now Pool boss Chris Turner is hoping for similar success when he completes the temporary move this morning.
Coppinger, 21, netted three times in 11 loan appearances in 2000 and will this morning put pen to paper on a two-month loan deal during which Pool face a hectic programme of 14 games in February and March. He will go straight in the squad for tomorrow's home game with Rushden.
"We enquired about him on Wednesday and then Bobby Robson got back to us about 4.30 this afternoon,'' said Turner last night.
"It hasn't happened yet, but he will sign in the morning.
"Everyone knows what he can do from his last spell here, but now he is a better player. He has grown up physically and is a lot stronger.''
Coppinger starred for the Magpies in Wednesday's reserve team friendly between the sides, setting up three goals in Newcastle's 4-3 win.
"He really impressed us in that game,'' said Turner. "But he is somebody we have kept tabs on all season and every time we've had him watched in the reserves, someone has come back and said 'Copps did well' or 'Copps was brilliant'.
"We know he enjoyed his time with us and with a busy period of games coming up, he gives us extra options. He can play up front, wide or just behind the forwards.''
Coppinger started his career at Darlington and moved to Newcastle in a joint £1.5m deal with Paul Robinson. He started last season in Bobby Robson's first team squad and made his debut as a substitute against Spurs in August 2000, but has rarely figured since.
Turner, meanwhile, yesterday received a triple injury boost.
Midfielders Tommy Widdrington and Mark Tinkler have been passed fit and striker Kevin Henderson could be a surprise addition to the squad in the coming weeks.
Widdrington missed last week's defeat at Mansfield after damaging a hamstring in training and was sorely missed. However, the Geordie trained yesterday and Turner said: "He came through things OK - it will be good to have him back. He keeps things simple for us in midfield and is a big influence.''
Tinkler sat out training on Tuesday and Wednesday after suffering from swollen glands, but should be fit after a course of antibiotics.
And Henderson yesterday came through his first full training session after knee surgery.
"It's great to get Kevin back in the swing of things,'' said Turner. "But it was his first session and Saturday could be a bit too early.''
Jon Bass will be absent tomorrow after picking up a groin strain.
Read more about Hartlepool here.
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