PAUL Smith yesterday extended his stay at Hartlepool United as he signed non-contract forms at Victoria Park.

The former Burnley midfielder has been on trial at Pool and scored in the reserves' 5-0 win at Chesterfield on Wednesday.

And after an impressive display, Pool boss Chris Turner wants to take a longer look at the Easington-born left-sided midfielder.

Smith is likely to be on the bench at Plymouth tomorrow and Turner said: "I've brought him in to have a good look and see how he fits into the first team picture.

"He'll travel to Plymouth with us and his arrival will keep Mark Robinson on his toes on the left side. He's a naturally fit lad, who has plenty of experience.

"He's from Easington and wants to get back to the North-East. He's enjoying being with us and when you bring someone into training and they enjoy themselves and want to be there, it's a good reflection on the club.

"It's a great sign for me that tells me we are doing things right at the club.''

Smith's arrival is a timely one as Turner is without four players.

Tommy Widdrington is suspended while Paul Arnison, Kevin Henderson and Graeme Lee are on the injury list.

Arnison suffered a hamstring strain in training yesterday, Lee turned an ankle in last week's defeat by Oxford and Henderson suffered a calf strain after netting a first-half hat-trick for the reserves.

Arnison will be replaced by Jon Bass at Home Park, while Turner hopes Lee will recover in time for Tuesday's game with Hull at Victoria Park.

Striker David Piggott, who appeared for Northern Ireland at under-16 level last season, has been released from his scholarship at Victoria Park.

* Tickets are on sale until noon today for tomorrow's game and although Pool fans can pay on the gate, they are advised to buy a ticket. Three sides of Home Park are closed for redvelopment work.

Tuesday's re-arranged game with Brian Little's side is all-ticket and supporters have until 5pm on Tuesday.

Luton have made Pool's visit on December 22 an all-ticket game, despite having a capacity of 1,900 for visiting fans.

* Crystal Palace have insisted manager Steve Bruce will stay at Selhurst Park, despite mounting speculation that he is to quit to join former club Birmingham.

Bruce has been linked with a return to St Andrews, where he ended his playing career, since Trevor Francis' departure on October 15.

The former Manchester United skipper has strongly denied claims he will walk out on the Eagles, who are second in Division One.

He said: ''I'm extremely happy here. I want to manage in the Premiership and I'd love to take Crystal Palace there. End of story.''

Bruce is not known for his loyalty, having quit Sheffield United for First Division rivals Huddersfield, where he was sacked, then taking over at Wigan towards the end of last season.