PETER Reid will tomorrow get the opportunity to cast an eye over striking target Thorstein Helstad after the Norwegian striker sat out last night's friendly draw at Hartlepool.

Sunderland boss Reid had a £1.5m offer rejected for the 18-goal front man earlier this year, and the sides meet at New Ferens Park, Durham, with Helstad set to play after being rested last night.

Helstad was on international duty last week with Norway, starting against Poland and making a brief substitute appearance against Belarus, and was rested after joining up with his touring teammates at the weekend as they continue their pre-season build-up.

Reid was represented at the game with scouts from Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Blackburn and Chelsea also taking the opportunity to check out players available from the financially-troubled outfit.

Craig Midgley netted the opener on the half-hour mark, turning in from close range after Jermaine Easter's lightning pace took him away from the Brann defence.

Graeme Lee stepped up his comeback from an achilles injury with a 19-minute run out in the second period replacing Gary Strodder, and new recruit Gordon Simms enjoyed a comfortable game in the heart of the Pool defence against the side that lost out in the second round of the UEFA Cup.

Martin Hollund made a flying save to keep out a dangerous Azar Karadas header after the break and Pool's Norwegian keeper enjoyed a solid return to action.

Brann, who have qualified for the Champions League next season, hit the crossbar through Tommy Knarvik - who almost joined Pool on loan last November until his wife refused to make the move to England - before the same player raced into the area and netted past Hollund in the last minute.

Hartlepool: Hollund, Arnison (Ross 83), Simms, Strodder (Lee 71), Aspin, Robinson, Brownrigg, Midgley (Boyd 83), Easter (Sperrevik 74), Fitzpatrick.

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