Hartlepool United hope ex-Swansea City star Alan Tate will have longer stay at Pools

Alan Tate (right) in action against Aston Villa's Christian Benteke in the Barclays Premier League

The 33-year-old played for Pools in their midweek reserve-team win at Rotherham, where he “strolled” through the game according to Moore.

But the manager said it would not be feasible to throw him into Saturday’s League Two match at Dagenham & Redbridge given his inactivity since being released by Swansea in the summer.

Moore likened him to David Mirfin, a key figure in last season’s great escape, and Tate’s CV is certainly an impressive one.

But he needs game-time under his belt.

“I’m hopeful he will come with us for a couple of weeks,” said Moore.

“He’s like the David Mirfin player we are after – he’s played at all levels, League Two to the Premier League and knows what it’s all about.

“He strolled through the reserve game at Rotherham, but they had a lot of young lads out there so it’s hard to think about throwing him straight in at Dagenham.

“That ain’t gong to happen and I hope he takes up the offer of staying.

“Alan has family up here, which helps, so we’ll take it from there.”

Moore said his search for a centre-half goes on but he was happy to bring in Luke Hendrie on loan from Burnley.

The 21-year-old, son of former Middlesbrough and Newcastle star John, will make his debut at Victoria Road on Saturday.

“Luke is one I almost signed pre-season,” said Moore.

“It was between him and Carl Magnay – they are similar. Luke can’t play centre-back but he’s versatile.

“He is a right-back, who can play left-back and in midfield too. If Ducky isn’t going to be fit yet for another 10 days or so then he gives us options.”