Salford City loanee Mark Shelton reflects on the role Hartlepool United midfielder Gus Mafuta played in helping him settle at the club

Mark Shelton of Hartlepool United celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Eastleigh at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Tuesday 7th January 2020. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

The 23-year-old scored his first goal for the club in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Eastleigh on Tuesday evening as he’s slotted nicely into the Pools midfield since arriving from Salford City for an initial month.

Pools have since extended the loan until the end of the 2019-20 campaign after an agreement was reached with Salford.

And it’s been one of Shelton’s former Salford teammates who has played an important role in helping him settle so quickly.

“It’s helped knowing Gus coming here to Hartlepool,” he admitted.

“I lived with Gus while I was at Salford so obviously it helps to get in with the group easier if you’re pally with someone else who’s an important part of the squad.

“That was a massive help in making me feel settled straight away. I’ve played alongside him for two years so I know what to expect from him and he knows what to expect from me so it’s a lot easier to try and find your feet in games because the quicker you do that the better.

“I’m more than happy to stay here to be honest and I’m not just staying that.

“I’m living with a few of the lads and everything is enjoyable with the set-up and the training so I’m really happy here.”