NEALE Cooper has already realised that Scott Flinders is a key component of the Hartlepool United side.

In the job for just a a month, the Pools boss knows how important the goalkeeper is to his chances of success.

Flinders kept back to back clean sheets before the weekend's draw at Sheffield Wednesday and Cooper has been impressed with his shot-stopped.

Shortly before Cooper's arrival, Pools lost goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh, with ex-Darlington keeper Andy Collett joining the Victoria Park backroom staff.

But Flinders has adapted to the overhaul to get back to the form he was showing at the start of the season.

"I thought Scott Flinders was magnificent at the weekend, credit where it's due,'' said Cooper. "He was so brave.

"Andy Collett has worked all week with him on how Sheff Wed play. It was a big performance from him yet again.''

And Cooper quipped: "Scott has had a big change, he's had a new manager coming in and a new goalkeeping coach. Mind you, Andy came in last week with some haircut - he looks like Norman Wisdom!

"Andy had only been here a week before I came in, so it's been a change. But he's been a breath of fresh air. I was here before and we had Mark Prudhoe who was nuts - a great lad - and I've really taken to Andy as well.

"He is so good with the goalkeepers, but not just first-team at all levels. He is so enthusiastic and knows the game inside out. When we went to Exeter the other weekend it wasn't just about bonding with the players, but the staff as well and we did that. He has come in and done exceptionally well.''

Pools yesterday released Stephen Wright after his short-term contract expired. The ex-Sunderland and Liverpool defender made 11 appearances this season, the last in what was Mick Wadsworth's final game in charge, the 1-0 loss to Preston on November 29.

Since then he has been sidelined with an Achilles problem and has only just returned to training.

The 31-year-old will continue to train with Pools until he finds a new club.

Pools have a reserve game at Gateshead tonight when Cooper could run the rule over a couple of trialists.

Cooper is looking to add to his squad this month, but has so far been unable to make much headway.

"I went to Glasgow to watch a game the other day, had a look at one or two who I will think about,'' he said.

"It's got to come into our budget as well and there's players I've spoke about on scary money. Some clubs help subside them a bit, but we have to look at what we can get in, but the club has given me the chance to do it.

"If it's one or two to come in then they have to be the right one.''