Portsmouth’s ex-Rangers winger Kal Naismith set to stay at Hartlepool United

Pools swooped for the Scotsman last month after being tipped off by former defender Christian Burgess, now a first-choice centre-half at Pompey, that the winger was going to be made available on loan.

Naismith has made four appearances for Pools, while being ineligible for the FA Cup matches against Salford and the trip to Fratton Park.

The 23-year-old’s stay is due to end on January 3, which means the New Year opener at Newport Country would be his last appearance.

But Cook has said that he would prefer players who are currently outside his first-choice 18 to be getting games under their belts.

Would the Pompey boss envisage his loan departures returning to the south coast?

“Not at the minute,” said the Souser. “For me, they can stay where they are.

“We haven’t spoken to the lads greatly about it. But for me, playing football is important.

“Where they are, they will be match fit. So if they do have to come back and play, they are ready to play.

“We would be happy with where we’re at.”

That is great news for Moore who wants to keep the former Rangers midfielder who has a “wand of a left foot”.

SportMail reported yesterday that Moore said Pools “are in the process” of trying to keep the loan players but are “governed by what their clubs want to do with them.”

Cook’s words will be of great encouragement.