Ryan Donaldson knew old school chum Liam Noble would inspire Hartlepool United

Noble and Donaldson were both pupils together at St Cuthbert’s high school in Newcastle.

And the winger turned right wing-back, who has been in remarkable form this campaign, was sure Noble would hit the ground running.

He’s done just that scoring FIVE goals, with FOUR assists, in his 10 appearances in blue and white to date.

“I tried to warn the lads about him before he came,” said Donaldson.

“I went to school with him and we played together when we were kids so I know exactly what kind of impact he can have.

“And to be honest it has been great having here.”

Donaldson’s footballing formative years were done on the academy pitches of Benton with Newcastle United, Noble across the Tyne-Wear divide with Sunderland.

As a result neither had played with each other since those days on the school fields as teenagers. They had played against each other, though.

It’s something Donaldson reminds his teammate and roommate all the time.

“I had not played with him since we were kids.

“I have reminded him that every time he played against me in my career as a professional he has been sent off,” said Donaldson.