Young City winger James Poole is joining Hartlepool United of Npower League One on a month’s loan.

The 20 year-old, who signed a one-year contract extension with City last March, has made four appearances for Andy Welsh’s Elite Development side so far this season, scoring what turned out to be the winner in last week’s 2-1 victory over Blackpool.

James spent the latter part of last season with Bury where he made nine appearances, and he is now set to gain some more valuable experience with Hartlepool, currently 15th in the table and under the caretaker stewardship of Mick Wadsworth, who said:

“He’s quick and beats players but he’s got to fight and knuckle down for a place. He comes from a good club, but it’s a big jump from reserve and academy football to first team, so we will see.”