DAVID EDGAR, the former Newcastle United defender, has signed for Hartlepool United.

The Canadian international is Pools third signing in a week after Fraser Kerr and Gavan Holohan moved to the Super 6 Stadium.

Edgar has received international clearance after playing in Canada, but Pools are still waiting for the geen light from the Irish FA for Holohan ahead of tomorrow’s game with Dover.

Hignett said: “Some federations are quicker than others and getting a couple in this season would help us for next season.

“We are still waiting on international clearance and I was hoping he would be able to travel last weekend and now we are a week on and nowhere further forward.

“Different FAs have different ways of working and we are hopeful and let’s see what happens.’’

He added: “We got Fraser Kerr in last week and I felt he was excellent on his debut last weekend for his first game, and a great lad around the place. We want players who know the league and are good characters and I would sacrifice a bit of quality for a good character because we are going to need characters and a good spirit next season.’’

Edgar has signed a deal until the end of the season, but Hignett has an eye on keeping him longer.

The move brings Edgar to the club after father Eddie was a popular goalkeeper at Pools during the 70s.

Luke Williams had been in full training with the squad after recovering from a knee injury, but remains a few weeks away from a first-team call.

Pools will arrange a couple of practice games for the attacker, who has yet to turn out for the club since signing last August because of a knee problem.

Surgery failed to correct the issue and he needed a second operation before he could start his rehabilitation.

“He has got to be right before he’s back,’’ said Hignett. “He has been to St George's Park, done his rehab, he can kick, can run - he has done everything right.

“He just needs a bit of physical contact now so he has confidence in his knee, which is now fine. It is 100 per cent and can do everything.

“He will need two or three games behind the scenes before he is involved and getting back to playing.

“The lad has had a real tough time, through no fault of his own.’’

Williams impressed when on loan at Pools from Middlesbrough in 2014 and Hignett knows how talented the 25-year-old.

Hignett added: “Luke has been unbelievable they way he has dealt with it. He has been frustrated at times, some things have been said about him that are untrue.

“He is like a lad on the streets, he just wants to come in play football. He’s been happy-go-lucky.

“Since we have got to the route of the problem he has applied himself well.

“He is frustrated because he has seen this league now, and it does not scare him one bit. He will tear this league up if we can get him right.’’

Defender Carl Magnay is recovering well from a knee operation and should be back in a month, while Connor Newton remains sidelined with a knee issue.