NEILL Collins has just two more games to go before he swaps League One for the Premiership.

The Sunderland central defender signed a half-season loan at Hartlepool United in August which expires after next Wednesday evening's game with Swindon Town at Victoria Park.

Then he will return to Wearside after making a big impression alongside Micky Nelson at the heart of the Pool defence.

Pool boss Martin Scott had asked Sunderland counterpart Mick McCarthy to extend the loan, but McCarthy insisted: "I've said no to Hartlepool. I want him to come back here and see what he can do. It will have helped him playing every week and if I think he's ready,

"He'll get a game in the Premiership. If not, there might be an opportunity for him to go back out.

"I've watched him three times and we've had him watched. He's done fine. He went there to get experience and he's done that.

"If he comes back and is flying there's no reason why he shouldn't get an opportunity. He's a good player for the long-term future of this club.''

"I've enjoyed my time here," Collins admitted. "I have played every week, it has given me some good experience and I have really benefited from it."

Whilst disappointed to lose the player, a pragmatic Scott wished the Scot well on his future with the Black Cats.

"It's sad to see him go because he has been a good player for us," Scott said. "But we knew he had to eventually go back and I am sure he goes back there having gained experience and a better player. I'd like to thank Mick and Sunderland for allowing us to have him this length of time."

Pool could be without Micky Barron for the Christmas programme after the skipper suffered a back injury just 15 minutes into last weekend's defeat at Walsall and Hugh Robertson is also suffering from a knee injury.

* Leeds manager anager Kevin Blackwell admitted Steve Stone's latest injury setback is ''a big blow'' for the club.

The veteran midfielder has recently undergone a third Achilles operation since joining the club in the summer.

Blackwell said: ''It is a big blow especially as he picked up the injury so soon after joining us."

Read more about Hartlepool here.