Hartlepool United agree loan deal for Salford City midfielder Mark Shelton as Dave Challinor looks to keep strengthening

The 23-year-old will join up with the Pools squad for training on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy first round match at Harrogate Town.

Shelton’s initial loan deal runs until after Hartlepool’s National League trip to Yeovil Town on 18 January.

The playmaker joined The Ammies from Alfreton in 2017 and went on to earn back to back promotions to the EFL.

He previously spent time on loan in the National League this season with Woking and becomes Dave Challinor’s second loan signing in a week, with winger Tyler Hamilton joining on loan from Hull City.

The Pools boss is keen to strengthen his side further and has hinted another forward could yet come in as the club monitors Luke James’ groin injury picked up during Tuesday night’s FA Cup win over Exeter City.