Hartlepool United youngsters handed chance to impress Lee Clark in friendly with Hebburn Town

Lee Clark has handed Hartlepool United youngster Campbell Darcy a chance to impress after he was named in the starting eleven for Tuesday night’s friendly at former loan club Hebburn Town.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a successful stint with the Hornets last season as they claimed the Northern Premier League title and his progress has been rewarded by Pools with a new one-year deal. Clark has already told Darcy how much he is looking forward to seeing how the youngster progresses and stressed the importance of his pre-season campaign as he looks to break into the senior setup on a regular basis.

Speaking on Friday, he said: “We have a number of talented young players coming through our Academy and Campbell is certainly one of them. He has earned this new contract and everyone is pleased to see him commit his future to the football club. Now it is about continuing to improve and showing what he is capable of. Pre-season is an important period for every player and we are looking forward to seeing how Campbell progresses.”

Clark will take an opportunity to assess two trialists during the first half of the game with the Pools head coach set to run the role over a goalkeeper and a left-back. Elsewhere, summer signings Terry Bondo and Chris Popov will hope to get amongst the goals once again and they’ll be supported in the final third by Corey McKeown and Luke Charman. Charlie Penman and Max Kouogun will be at the heart of the defence with academy prospect Charlie Thornton and captain Nathan Sheron in the heart of the side.

Hartlepool United XI vs Hebburn Town: Trialist, Darcy, Trialist, Kouogun, Penman, Sheron, Thornton, McKeown, Popov, Bondo, Charman

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