FORMER Sweden youth international Samuel Adjei will continue to train with Hartlepool United after impressing for the club’s reserves, writes CRAIG HOPE.

The 20-year-old – who is set to be released by Newcastle United after three years on Tyneside – caught the eye during yesterday’s 1-0 defeat to Rotherham United at Bedford Terrace.

Adjei, who can operate on either wing or as a central striker, has been on trial with Neale Cooper’s men since Monday and he is set to remain at Maiden Castle until at l TURN to Page 39

“I thought in patches yesterday he looked really bright and he’s a little bit different to anything else we have at the club already.

“We’ll just keep monitoring him and see what the manager wants to do with him.

“But I thought out of everyone he was the brightest forward player.”

Adjei was joined in the reserves by fellow trialist Steven Irwin, the former Liverpool academy midfielder.

The 21-year-old was only introduced at half-time with the club still awaiting clearance for him to feature when the game kicked off.

And he, too, will continue to train at Durham over the next couple of days.

Barron explained: “It was unfortunate because his clearance didn’t come through until five minutes into the first half.

“But he’s another who we’ve been told to have a look at and see how we get on.”

NEWCASTLE United are still keeping tabs on Ajax skipper Jan Vertonghen.

The club are expected to be represented at Old Trafford tonight when he and his team-mates take on Manchester United in a Europa League tie.

Sources in Holland suggest highly-rated Vertonghen – who has also interested Arsenal and Bayern Munich – will be watched in the second leg of the Round of 32 tie, in which Ajax trail Sir Alex Ferguson’s side 2-0.

The Belgium international is expected to leave the Ajax Arena in the summer and Newcastle would face competition for his signature.

Read Miles Starforth’s full article in today’s Sportmail.

MARTIN O’NEILL believes deadline-day signings Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos will have a part to play in Sunderland’s season, despite barely featuring so far.

The on-loan defenders were brought in on the last day of the January transfer window to reinfore a back line that was creaking at the seams.

But with Phil Bardsley, John O’Shea, Michael Turner and Kieran Richardson in excellent form after coming through injuries, the new arrivals’ chances have been severely limited.

Manchester City full-back Bridge has seen only eight minutes of action and Wolfsburg centre-back Kyrgiakos none at all.

O’Neill, though, expects his new boys to make an important contribution, pointing out there is still a substantial chunk of the season remaining.

“They will play their part, absolutely,” said the Sunderland boss.

Read Graeme Anderson’s full article in today’s Sportmail.

IT wasn’t just Samuel Adjei and Steven Irwin on trial for Hartlepool United

Manager Neale Cooper sat alone in the stand at Bedford Terrace to keep a keen eye on that pair, but he was arguably more interested in the efforts of their more established team-mates.

Adam Boyd, Colin Nish and Nathan Luscombe have all found first-team opportunity limited, or indeed non existent, of late.

They have expressed their frustration with the Scot and that is why he threw down the proverbial gauntlet to the trio before kick-off – “show me why I should pick you” is normally how it goes.

And, judging by an animated afternoon from the terrace, Cooper did not see enough to tilt his first-team thinking for now.

Read Craig Hope’s full match report, plus Micky Barron’s thoughts on Samuel Adjei, in today’s Sportmail.

MICKY Barron admits some of Hartlepool United’s senior stars could face up to “a month in the reserves” if they don’t take the chance to impress manager Neale Cooper.

The Pools coach was disappointed with the contribution from some of his more experienced players during yesterday’s 1-0 second-string defeat to Rotherham United.

Barron started with former first-team strike pairing Colin Nish and Adam Boyd in attack for the game at Billingham Town’s Bedford Terrace.

And he has revealed that boss Cooper has challenged that front duo, as well as midfielder Nathan Luscombe, to prove they are worthy of a senior recall ahead of a busy League One period.

But Barron believes the Scot will need to see more persuasive performances than the ones he witnessed yesterday afternoon.

“It thought it was pretty poor, enough of them didn’t play well and that’s disappointing, especially when the manager has given them an incentive before the game,” the former Pools captain told SportMail today.

Read full article, plus a report on the reserves’ game, in today’s Sportmail.

FRAIZER Campbell’s stunning return from injury continued today after the Sunderland striker was named in the England squad for next week’s friendly with Holland.

The 24-year-old has been included by caretaker boss Stuart Pearce for Wednesday’s Wembley clash with the Dutch, despite making just five first-team appearances for Sunderland since recovering from a 17-month lay-off.

Campbell, who scored in each of his first two games under Martin O’Neill, was capped 14 times at U21 level, but this is his first chance of impressing with the senior squad.

Sunderland boss O’Neill said: “It’s fantastic news altogether for him and it’s got to be a great boost.

“It’s interesting because I saw Stuart Pearce a couple of weeks ago at Molineux for Wolves against West Brom and he mentioned to me that there was a possibility of calling up Fraizer.

“I wasn’t sure that it was going to happen so I didn’t mention it to Fraizer at all, just in case it didn’t materialise.

“It’s really great news.”

England squad: Goalkeepers: Scott Carson (Bursaspor), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Robert Green (West Ham United).

Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ashley Young (Manchester United), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Forwards: Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

]]> 1.4277380 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:31:05 +0000 http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/transfer_rumours_feb_23_sunderland_arsenal_lampard_man_utd_reading_1_4275410

Sunderland face competition from Sevilla and Saint Etienne in the race to land Atalanta midfielder Moussa Kone. The Ivorian has impressed this season while on loan at Serie B outfit Pescara – talkSPORT

Al Ain have urged Sunderland to make striker Asamoah Gyan’s loan move permanent in the summer. The UAE-based team paid £6m to get Gyan on a temporary deal, and are prepared to pay another £6m to make the switch concrete – Daily Mirror

Zenit St Petersburg claim they are in negotiations with Arsenal to bring Andrey Arshavin back to the club on loan. “We had (initial) talks with them. Let’s see how they respond now,” the Russian’s general director, Maxim Mitrofanov, was quoted as saying. – Sovetsky Sport [In Russian]

Frank Lampard could be set to join ex-Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti at Paris Saint-Germain – Daily Mirror

Arsenal are planning to spend £55m on German pair Mario Gotze and Lukas Podoloski in the summer as manager Arsene Wenger looks to reinvigorate his attack – Bild [In German]

AC Milan are set to rival Manchester United in the race to snap up Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia. The Spaniard is believed to be valued at £17m by the Portuguese giants – talkSPORT

Reading striker Mathieu Manset is set to join fellow Frenchman Nicolas Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua after the Chinese side made a loan bid for his services – Daily Mail

{http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-rumours/transfer_rumours_feb_22_demba_ba_chelsea_walcott_sunderland_arsenal_liverpool_manchester_city_man_utd_1_4271282|Yesterday’s rumours}

Gary Fox admits he is playing a ‘frustrating waiting game’ as his Area title contest was rearranged for the second time.

After being lined up to take on Phil Boyle for the welterweight crown in December it was rescheduled to take place this month, but now Fox must be patient that little longer.

Training in Neil Fannan’s Brierton-based gym, the 26-year-old knows what is important if he wants to progress in the professional ranks.

Speaking exclusively to SportMail, he said: “I have to be calm and make sure I don’t let the put backs get to me.

“Being patient is very important when things like this happen so I will get a six round contest in and then move up to the ten round standard.

“I know I am fit enough to go the longer distance and I am good enough to fight the better fighters.

“It is frustrating but I am happy to wait around and take my time.

“If you have a national title under your belt then that opens doors.

“This could be the first one but that has been taken away from the time being.

“It is a matter of time so I just have to be patient and make sure I keep training hard with Neil and we will get there.”

After the disappointing news that he would not be fighting for the Area championship, Fox will be on show at Hartlepool’s Borough Hall on March 25.

Although unsure on who he will be matched against, Fox believes he is more than capable of putting on a good show on the same night that the town’s most successful boxer Michael Hunter makes his comeback.

“I have improved so much lately I can’t believe it myself,” he added.

“Neil has been inspirational and it is great to work with him and Michael Hunter who is a good friend of mine.

“I always try to put on a good show and this time it will be no different.”

Although disappointed with the way things have turned out on the title front, Fox still cut a confident figure as SportMail visited his ‘second home.’

Gary, who’s record now stands at six wins in seven contests, knows he must keep his feet firmly on the ground.

He added: “It is not the contest I wanted but I will go into it as confident and prepared as I ever do.

“I have to take every fight as it comes and whoever is put in front of me I have to beat.

“Neil has confidence in me so hopefully it will be a good night for the whole gym come March 25.

“With Michael making his return it promises to be a great show.

“Being part of that is a honour for me. He has been fantastic around the gym.

“He is always smiling and training hard and that pushes the others to do better.”

Last time Fox took on journeyman Billy Smith at Peterlee Leisure Centre in December and won over four rounds 40-38.

Next time out for the Fishburn fighter it will be over six rounds and Gary is confident he has the credentials to put himself in contention for bigger prizes.

“It was awkward last time because of the way Billy boxed,” added ‘The Fox.’

“He was much heavier and the opponent changed very late so it was a different bout I had prepared for.

“However a win is a win and I will move on from that fight into a six round fight which I know I am good enough to win.”

NEALE Cooper has transformed Hartlepool United’s fortunes at Victoria Park after revealing he delivered a stinging message to his players: “We’re in charge of this place, no one else”.

The Scot, reinstalled as manager in December, inherited a side bereft of confidence and in the midst of a worst-ever run of defeats on Clarence Road.

But Saturday’s 3-0 disposal of Notts County stretched the unbeaten run to four matches at the Vic and it is now more than six hours since they have conceded on home soil.

Cooper was not impressed by the boisterous arrival of the Magpies in Pools’ own back yard at the weekend and that, he has revealed today, led to a frank dressing-room declaration.

Find out just what Cooper’s “declaration” was in Craig Hope’s full interview in today’s Sportmail.

● Click to view this week’s {http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-utd/match-report/frank_and_hopeful_county_tied_in_notts_1_4265955|Frank and Hopeful}

ALAN Pardew has his “iconic players” back for Newcastle United – and they are chomping at the bit to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Pardew welcomes back Yohan Cabaye from suspension and Cheik Tiote from the African Cup of Nations for Saturday’s game.

Cabaye has been banned for Newcastle’s last three fixtures and his fellow midfielder Tiote has not featured since last month’s win over Manchester United.

United were beaten 5-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing, but they are sixth in the Premier League and a win would lift them into fifth and buoy them ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby on March 4.

“Now I have my strongest squad to pick from since Man United,” said Pardew.

Read more Newcastle United team news in the build-up to Saturday’s Wolves game in today’s Sportmail

Newcastle have been warned they could lose top scorer Demba Ba, 26, for just £3.5m this summer – Daily Star

Al-Ain coach Cosmin Olaroiu has urged Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan to make a permanent move to the Pro League leaders – The National

Leicester City are planning to hold talks with Aston Villa regarding the future of on-loan striker Nathan Delfouneso – Sky Sports

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in the hunt for 21-year-old Ghana international defender Daniel Opare, who has impressed for Standard Liege this season – the Sun

Liverpool are one of three clubs believed to be monitoring the form of 26-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder Raffael – talkSPORT

Manchester City may make a summer move for 24-year-old Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain – Daily Mail

Uruguay international Edinson Cavani, 25, will quit Napoli this summer if Chelsea knock them out of the Champions League and has targeted a move to the Premier League – and possibly to Stamford Bridge – Evening Standard

Arsenal are ready to open fresh contract talks with winger Theo Walcott, midfielder Tomas Rosicky and striker Robin van Persie after the trio indicated they are keen to stay at the club – Metro

Chelsea are targeting Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott and could be willing to swap him for Stamford Bridge striker Daniel Sturridge – the Sun

Javi Garcia’s agent has rejected reports that Manchester United have made an offer for the Benfica midfielder – Sky Sports

Arsenal and Liverpool are believed to have have reignited their interest in Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Marko Marin, 22, who has been dubbed the German Lionel Messi – Footylatest

]]> 1.4271282 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:28:31 +0000 http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/hartlepool_united_boss_neale_cooper_could_have_unchanged_side_for_wycombe_wanderers_trip_1_4271465

HARTLEPOOL United boss Neale Cooper looks set to name an unchanged team for the fifth game in a row at bottom club Wycombe Wanderers this weekend, writes CRAIG HOPE.

Such is his confidence in his men right now the Pools boss has today revealed that he “sees no reason for change” at Adams Park.

The only threat to that is the injury sustained by Gary Liddle during the second half of Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Notts County.

The 25-year-old was forced off after a clash with Magpies’ midfielder Neale Bishop, but X-ray results have revealed no fracture of his leg.

Liddle remains a slight doubt for the trip to Buckinghamshire with Steve Haslam on standby for a recall.

More team news ahead of Saturday’s Wycombe trip in today’s Sportmail.

A Hartlepool boxer is just six minutes away from winning a national title, writes MARTIN DUNN.

Ryan Brown, 14, defeated Akheel Falik at the Manchester School of Boxing on Sunday afternoon to set up a third national final of his amateur career.

The Gus Robinson ABC-trained youngster will now travel to Mansfield in the hope of picking up a National Schoolboys crown and coach Wayne Short knows he has the credentials.

Speaking to SportMail, Short said: “We expected a tough fight but Ryan outclassed him.

“It is probably the best I have seen Ryan box in all the time he has been with us.”

Read Martin Dunn’s full interview with Martin Short, plus more boxing chat, in today’s Sportmail.

AL-AIN coach Cosmin Olaroiu is confident Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan will convert his loan deal into a permanent move during the summer.

The Black Cats hitman has proved a success in the Middle East since joining the United Arab Emirates side last September – his 10 goals helping Al-Ain to the top of their domestic league.

Al-Ain are keen to keep Gyan when his season-long loan expires and will attempt to agree a permanent switch with Sunderland at the end of the campaign.

Olaroiu said: “If you ask me for my opinion if Gyan wants to stay in Al-Ain, it is yes, but it is left for him to decide if he want to stay or not.

“From what I know about him and the way he acts, I know he feels good about this place.

“He is getting on well with the team, with us, the club management and with everybody around him.”

Read more about Gyan’s future, plus Craig Gardner’s feelings about new boss Martin O’Neill, in today’s Sportmail.

CRAIG Gardner says he holds no grudges against Martin O’Neill for selling him while manager of Aston Villa.

The midfielder has worked his way into the new Sunderland boss’s plans second time around.

Gardner, left, was just a young player coming through the ranks at Villa Park when he was allowed to move on to Birmingham City in a deal worth £3million in January 2010.

The move worked out for the then 23-year-old, who went on to become a first-team regular at St Andrew’s, scoring 10 goals in 37 appearances last season, as well as being part of the team that won the Carling Cup.

Gardner said of O’Neill: “Some people say he’s a genius, some people say he’s lucky, but he can’t be lucky because he does it every time.

“He’s just a top bloke and a top, top manager.”

Read Craig Gardner’s thoughts, plus O’Neill’s thoughts on Gardner, in full in today’s Sportmail.

]]> 1.4271540 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:18 +0000 http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/middlesbrough_s_marvin_emnes_bags_double_to_beat_millwall_3_1_1_4271575

MARVIN Emnes marked his return to goalscoring form for Middlesbrough after the Dutch striker’s double against Millwall fired them back into the play-off places.

He struck twice more to help sink Millwall 3-1 at the Den, much to the delight of his boss Tony Mowbray.

“He’s been through a bit of a barren spell and lost his confidence, but now he’s back,” Mowbray saiod.

“We are delighted he’s back among the goals, we need him among the goals.”

Boro wrapped up the points four minutes from time when Julio Arca crossed and teenager Curtis Main crashed a powerful shot into the net for his first Boro goal.

Read a full match report, plus reaction, in today’s Sportmail.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted to frustration at Newcastle’s failed deadline-day move for Watford’s 25-year-old defender Adrian Mariappa – Shields Gazette

Having let 26-year-old Senegal international striker Demba Ba leave West Ham on a free transfer, co-owner David Sullivan thinks Newcastle risk losing him for as little as £3.5m this summer – BBC Sport

Kieran Richardson could head a summer clear-out at Sunderland as Martin O’Neill looks to cash in before the player is out of contract – Daily Mail

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has indicated he may be ready to open contract talks with the club over the next month – Daily Telegraph

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on Ajax’s 17-year-old midfielder Viktor Fischer. The Reds manager is already considering a £15m summer move for Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen – Manchester Evening News

Meanwhile, United are willing to wait until 16-year-old IF Urædd goalkeeper Sondre Rossbach recovers from an ankle injury before deciding on whether to offer the youngster a deal – talkSPORT

Craig Dawson has signed a contract extension with West Brom keeping him at the club until June 2015 – Sky Sports

Arsenal were joined by representatives from Bayern Munich and Napoli in scouting 25-year-old Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud during the recent 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain – Metro

Everton are close to sealing a deal for rookie midfielder Jake Adelson. The 16-year-old from Australia is ready to pen a three-year contract at Goodison Park having impressed the club’s scouts while playing for Blacktown City – talkSPORT

Cardiff City striker Jon Parkin has admitted that he would be prepared to extend his loan at Scunthorpe United beyond an initial month – Sky Sports

Liverpool may look to sign 23-year-old Sampdoria winger Jonathan Biabiany this summer, who has spent this season on loan at Parma – Caught Offside

{http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-utd/match-report/transfer_rumours_monday_feb_20_everton_wolves_chelsea_liverpool_rangers_spurs_roy_keane_1_4265970|Yesterday’s rumours}