HARTLEPOOL United boss Dave Challinor has moved quickly to replace Peter Kioso.

After the right back moved to Luton on Wednesday, Challinor has signed Macauley Southam-Hailes on loan for the rest of the season from Fleetwood Town.

The Pools chief is has also landed another defender in time for Saturday’s home game with Stockport County, with Timi Odusina arriving from Norwich City. The centre-half was on loan at AFC Fylde under Challinor last season. He has been sidelined with an ankle injury this season, but recently made his return.

Southam-Hails moved to Fleetwood from Barry Town last January but has found a first-team place hard to come by.

Challinor said: “Macaulay has been in Fleetwood’s Under-23s set-up but also in and around the first team.

“We’re obviously looking to replace Peter Kioso as soon as possible and he’s one of the names that was flagged up – he’s very highly-rated and has been recommended.

“He’s a good athlete with plenty of pace, much like the modern day full-back and moving forward that’s how we want to play – with our full-backs pushing high up the pitch but also not forgetting their defensive responsibilities.

“It’s great to get him in and I am sure he will be a big hit so he’s someone we’re looking forward to working with.”

He added: “There’s been speculation about him for a while now. Offers have gone in and we spoke with him and his agent. It came to a point when we was going to see what was around in the summer.

“We then have to decide if anything does come in or do we leave it to the summer and a tribunal hearing – often very little.

“We had an initial bid which was turned down, they came back again and then with Nicke Kabamba going, Peter may have done as well.

“Luton played Sunday and came back with another bid which we felt was a proper valuation.

“We are disappointed to lose him, but he’s going to a Championship club and a big step up. The club has a good deal from it and add-ons and sell-ons and the like. We maximised what we could do.’’

Meanwhile, Pools have withdrawn from the Durham Challenge Cup and their game with Sunderland this evening has been cancelled, with the Black Cats taking a free spot in the last four.

Challinor said last week he was unhappy with the scheduling of the game, 48 hours before Pools are in National League action.