Hartlepool United new boy Aidan Keena keen to hit the ground running following move from Hearts

The Irish under-21 international striker arrived from Scottish Premiership side Hearts on a permanent deal subject to international clearance.

That international clearance means Keena could have to wait to make his Pools debut though the 20-year-old is hopeful everything will be sorted in time for kick-off.

“I’m delighted to get it done,” he admitted.

“I haven’t had the best season so far, not playing much so hopefully I can hit the ground running on Saturday if the clearance goes through in time.

“I was told by Hearts the other day that I’m free to find a new club if I want which is a bit gutting to hear. I got a few offers then a club like this comes and I was happy to get it done quickly.

“I was getting a bit of game time under the previous manager but the new one has came in and he’s obviously got players that he likes and if he needs to make room to bring in the players he wants then there’s not much you can do about it.”

Keena had previously enjoyed loan spells at Queen’s Park and Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Football League where he scored 12 goals in 26 games over two seasons.

“Everywhere I’ve went before I’ve scored goals so that’s what I’m here to do,” he told Hartlepool United TV.

“You don’t sign a striker just to play you want him to score goals so hopefully that’s what I’m going to do here.

“I think I can definitely add to [the team], I’m looking forward to hopefully playing on Saturday and if we get a win there then we’re creeping up again.

“Hopefully I can kick-on, that’s what anyone who gets a move wants to do and see how well they can do.

“You have to have self-belief. If you’re not going to believe in yourself then you may as well pack it in and do something else but I definitely feel like I can come and do well here.”