Hartlepool United head coach Anthony Limbrick admits Pools are planning to bring Louis Stephenson back into the first team fold following his return from his loan at Whitby Town.

The popular teenager, who has already made 25 senior appearances for Pools, played six times for the Seasiders but is now back at the Prestige Group Stadium.

Having started the season in and around the first team, featuring in all of the opening six matches of the campaign, Stephenson fell out of favour and has not made a Pools appearance since September.

However, since taking charge Limbrick has switched to a 3-5-2 formation and there could well be a role for Stephenson, an attack-minded full-back, in his set-up. And the Australian, who became the 16th permanent Pools appointment in the last decade, admits he's eager to bring Stephenson back into the first team fold.

The popular teenager has not made a Pools appearance since September but Limbrick confirmed he is set to bring the defender back into the fold after he returned from his loan spell at Northern Premier League side Whitby Town. Picture by Frank Reid.

placeholder image — The popular teenager has not made a Pools appearance since September but Limbrick confirmed he is set to bring the defender back into the fold after he returned from his loan spell at Northern Premier League side Whitby Town. Picture by Frank Reid.

"We want to integrate Louis back into the squad," he said.

"I think he has done well in training, he's still improving all the time. He's a young player and I am a big fan of his. We want to get him involved.

"We weren't able to get him on the bench tonight (against Tamworth), he needs to earn the right to push into the squad as well. I think he's someone who can really make an impact and help us between now and the end of the season."