Hartlepool Utd to make two loan signings ahead of Tranmere Rovers clash

Colin Cooper said he was waiting on a couple of calls but was hopeful the players would be in place and one of them will be a goalkeeper.

Former Number 2 Andy Rafferty left the club last month leaving Pools short for cover in that position.

In came Sunderland youngster Joel Dixon on an emergency loan deal and that arrangement is expected to be extended.

Pools are still short on firepower up front after Luke James’ deadline day switch to Peterborough United and the other loan signing is expected to be an attacking player.

This summer Pools have been linked with Sunderland duo Mikael Mandron and Duncan Watmore and Middlesbrough striker Bradley Fewster.

But Sunderland are in no rush to sanction a loan departure for in-demand winger Duncan Watmore.

Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Cooper said: “We are trying.

“We are just waiting on possibly two phone calls and we are following things up from earlier on in the week.

“Hopefully we might have one or two through the door [Friday] morning.

“The goalkeeper situation is one we are waiting on a call back on.”

SportMail reported earlier this week how Sunderland had received enquiries for youngsters Watmore, Mandron and David Ferguson, with the emergency loan window now open for Football Club clubs.

Watmore, in particular, has a lengthy list of admirers after the former Altrincham man has shone for Sunderland Under-21s since arriving at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland are currently keen for the 20-year-old to continue training alongside the first-team squad.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s match is expected to come too soon for injured right-backs Michael Duckworth and Stuart Parnaby.

Duckworth tweaked his hamstring in training at Maiden Castle, in Durham, last Friday and missed Saturday’s win.

He was replaced in the team by Parnaby, himself just returning from a hamstring strain, but after just 39 minutes, Parnaby had to be replaced after feeling his other hamstring go.

Jordan Richards came on from the subs bench.

Cooper said they will continue to be monitored by club physio Ian Gallagher but expects next week’s trips to Northampton Town on Tuesday and Plymouth Argyle the following Saturday to be more realistic for the pair.

He said: “I will take Buster’s [Gallagher] lead and see how them lads are.

“Thankfully both are not long-term but if they are not available then hopefully we can use them in the following week when we have a busy week.

“Michael and Stuart we will hopefully have back in contention fairly quickly.

“We don’t have massive numbers so to lose two in quick succession hits us hard but them kind of things open up a door to somebody else.

“Young Jordan came in and was smashing, just as he has been every time we have asked him to.”

l DETAILS have been announced for the upcoming Johnstone’s Paint Trophy match between Hartlepool United and Sheffield United.

The second round clash will take place on Tuesday, October 7 at Victoria Park (7pm KO).

Prices for the fixture have also been reduced in a bid to encourage younger supporters along to enjoy the game at The Vic.

The tickets are adults - £10, Over 60s - £5 and Under 16s - £5.

Under 16s can also claim a free ticket for the game when obtained in conjunction with a full-paying adult.

Club officials say tickets will be available in advance and on the turnstiles at The Vic on the night of the game.