Experience, goals, assists - Matthew Bates is backing Hartlepool United new boy Paddy McLaughlin to deliver

And manager Matthew Bates is over the moon with the capture of the 27-year-old.

Bates thinks the central midfielder will add experience, goals and assists to the Pools XI, ahead of their second campaign in the National League.

"He will bring experience - he played 56 games last season," said Bates.

"He is fit and reliable. A great set piece taker who will chip in with assists and goals."

"He is another who is good in the dressing room. A good type, which is what I think we need here.

"Every player that we have signed has had options elsewhere or have had offers to stay at their club - Paddy was one of them."

The Northern Irishman is the fourth signing of the summer for Pools, following on from free transfer Myles Anderson, striker Niko Muir and Bates' former teammate at Bradford and Middlesbrough Andrew Davies.

McLaughlin began his career with Newcastle United before moving to York City in 2011 where he won the FA Trophy and a National League play off final at Wembley.

In 2013 he made the switch to Grimsby Town before joining Gateshead in 2015.