Dave Challinor secures new number 9 for Hartlepool United as Rob Harker arrives from Premier League side Burnley

Pools boss Dave Challinor had been on the hunt for another striker after securing the permanent signing of Aidan Keena earlier this month.

Harker will join up with the Hartlepool squad tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s National League trip to Barnet.

The 6ft 2in striker progressed through Bury’s academy system before joining Burnley in 2018 where he has since became a regular for the Clarets under-23s side.

The 19-year-old joins Pools for the remainder of the season and will wear the number 9 left vacant when Nicke Kabamba left for Kilmarnock earlier this month.

“We have looked at lots of players but Rob’s was a name that has been on our radar for a few weeks really but, at this time of the year, you have to be patient and wait for things to fall in to place,” manager Dave Challinor told the club website.

“It’s his first loan in terms coming out and playing men’s football but I am sure, going off what I have seen from him the last few years, he is going to be a big hit.

“He’s scored goals at Under-23 level and he’s highly-rated; he’s a good size and will bring us something different and complement the forward players we already have.

“Hopefully, like in the case of Aidan Keena, Rob can come in and hit the ground running and really play his part between now and the end of the season.”