Hartlepool United loanee Reyes Cleary reveals West Bromwich Albion ambition after extending stay at Pools

The talented 20-year-old has impressed since signing on loan for Pools last month, scoring once in eight games and catching the eye with his pace, power and skill. Cleary, who has operated both as a wing-back and in his favoured left-wing position in the North East, agreed to extend his spell until the end of the season on Wednesday.

Cleary endured a challenging stint at League Two leaders Walsall at the beginning of the campaign where he was limited to just seven appearances, only three of which came in the league, during a frustrating five-month spell. Since signing for Pools, the fleet-footed wideman has reminded West Brom of his considerable potential as he looks to earn a new contract in the Midlands. Cleary, who signed for the Baggies in 2021, has big ambitions but his current deal at The Hawthorns expires this summer. The young winger is hoping an impressive end to the season will help him secure a new contract with the Championship promotion-chasers.

"I'm out of contract this year," he said.

"This is the stepping stone for me. It didn't go how I wanted to at Walsall. I hope that playing every game here will help me get a new contract. I want to add to my stats and improve in the final third, but as long as I'm playing - and playing well - hopefully I can convince them that I deserve a new deal.

"I'm loving my time here at Hartlepool. The club has given me a platform to show what I can do, the fans have been great and the coaches have helped me a lot. I feel as though I've got that freedom here, it's been great so far and I'm hoping we can have a strong end to the season."