Adam Jackson relishing next Hartlepool test alongside Matthew Bates

The on-loan Middlesbrough prospect made a great debut in Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Cheltenham Town, Pools scraping home thanks to Kudus Oyenuga’s winner.

Next up for Jackson - and Bates - is a League Two clash with promotion hopefuls Leyton Orient in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Sunday lunchtime.

“It’s a massive game, I can’t wait,” said the 21-year-old.

Jackson’s place is not a given - Pools boss Ronnie Moore hopes to have on-loan Luton defender Magnus Okuonghae available and Scott Harrison fit.

But Moore won’t flinch about putting the Darlington-born centre-half in against the Londoners.

He and Bates made a good partnership and Jackson loved playing alongside the former Boro favourite.

“Batesy was there when I was in my first or second year,” said Jackson.

“I trained with the first team a couple of times when he was at Boro and he really helped me.

“You look up to someone who’s played at that level.

“He knows how to play the game and he really talked me through it.

“It was good to have him there. It can be hard [starting a new partnership] but he made it so easy for me.

“I was really chuffed we got the win and the clean sheet on top of that.”

Jackson told SportMail that the move to Victoria Park was just what he wanted.

And the news was delivered by Pools legend Mark Tinkler, who is part of Middlesbrough’s coaching team

“I’ve been wanting to come out on loan to get some experience,” he said.

“Last Wednesday, the Under 21 coach, Mark, said ‘you are going on loan to Hartlepool tomorrow’.

“It was a case of get your boots and get on your way!”

And while he may be from Darlington, he has always followed Pools fortunes and has family in the town.

“I knew a fair bit about Hartlepool and I always check the results,” he said.

“I have aunties and uncles from here.”