Hartlepool United defender Louis Stephenson has joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Morpeth Town on a one-month youth loan.

With Besart Topallaj being recalled by Bromley - the 24-year-old, who made 21 appearances for Pools in the first half of the season, has since completed a permanent move to Sutton - and Cameron John set to begin a three-match suspension following his red card against Woking, there had been speculation that Nicky Featherstone could turn to the youngster to provide cover in defence.

However, the Pools boss said in the week that Stephenson was set to head out on loan, insisting that "it's not a dislike of Louis, it's just what he needs at his stage of development right now".

Even so, it's clear that the 20-year-old has fallen out of favour this season, spending time out on loan at National League North side Buxton, where he scored once in 10 games, and making just one senior appearance at Victoria Park, coming on as a second half substitute during last month's humiliating FA Trophy exit at the hands of Northern Premier League Division One Midlands outfit Anstey Nomads.

The youngster, who looked set to establish himself as a first team regular at times last season, has fallen well down the pecking order and has been reduced to just one substitute appearance this term.

placeholder image — The youngster, who looked set to establish himself as a first team regular at times last season, has fallen well down the pecking order and has been reduced to just one substitute appearance this term.

Despite his lack of opportunities, the energetic defender remains a popular figure in the North East, renowned for his passion, determination and desire. Indeed, Stephenson has already made 36 senior appearances for Pools and featured regularly towards the end of last season under Anthony Limbrick.

True, Stephenson is a long way from the finished article - the young right-back was disconsolate after missing a gilt-edged chance against Maidenhead in February last year, while he cost his side with a needless red card against Dagenham and Redbridge later in the campaign - but fans have often admired his committed, full-blooded approach.

Yet there is now a sense that Stephenson will have to impress with Morpeth, who are fourth from bottom in the Northern Premier League Premier Division table, if he's to convince the Pools hierarchy that he deserves a new deal at Victoria Park this summer.

Your next Hartlepool United read: Hartlepool United boss calls for new additions to solve goalscoring problems