Newcastle United defender Lewis Cass reacts after signing season long loan with Hartlepool United in the National League

Last month, The Mail reported that the 20-year-old defender was set to sign for Pools on a season-long loan before the move was delayed due to uncertainty over the start of the National League season.

But now with Hartlepool’s campaign set to get underway against Aldershot Town at Victoria Park on Saturday, Cass has arrived and is available for selection for the season opener.

The young Magpie has agreed a season-long loan deal at The Vic with a recall option included. And with no natural right-back in the Hartlepool squad, Cass’ arrival is a welcome one for Dave Challinor’s side.

"I’m a hard-working full-back,” Pools' latest arrival told The Mail.

“I like defending, one v ones and obviously clean sheets but I can also offer that attacking threat. I like to be lively up and down the wing, I like to get forward and I don’t lack fitness so I think I can bring a lot to the team.”

Last season, Challinor piled plenty of emphasis into getting his full-backs into attacking areas and impacting matches at both ends of the field. And he’s quickly got that philosophy across to Cass ahead of Saturday’s big kick-off.

“I like to bring the attacking side to my game and Dave has already really encouraged me to get forward as well as defend,” added the 20-year-old.

“Hopefully come Saturday, I can show everyone what I’ve got.”

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