HARTLEPOOL boss Mick Wadsworth has swooped for Newcastle United youngster Ryan Donaldson on a month’s loan.
The 19-year-old striker – who can also drop back into midfield – arrives at a time when Pool are crying out for goals having gone 381 minutes without hitting the back of the net.
Donaldson looks set to make his debut tonight at the Victoria Ground against Notts County a game which Pool will be hoping his striking talents will come to the fore after last Saturday’s 4-0 hammering at Peterborough United.
For the youngster the chance to get some first-team action under his belt was all-too tempting having only played in Newcastle’s 3-2 Carling Cup win at Accrington Stanley – something which the Magpies themselves were keen for him to get.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew said: “I’m a firm believer that there’s nothing quite like playing games in the Football League and it’s good for these young lads to get experience which reserve-team games can’t give them.
“Ryan was unlucky to get injured the day before I walked through the door and going to Hartlepool means we can keep a close eye on his progress.”
Wadsworth was delighted to welcome his new arrival and hopes that should he impress, the month-long deal could be extended even further. He said: “I’ve seen Ryan play for both England U17’s and U19’s and also for Newcastle’s reserves and I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen.
“Both the Newcastle and England set-ups have praised his talents which doesn’t surprise me as on a whole, he’s a young lad who is highly-rated.
“We’ve been looking for a while for an outstanding young striker who will fit in with the way we play.
“Hopefully, Ryan can add to what we already have – what we haven’t been doing is finding the net recently so hopefully he can help us in that department.
“What impressed me when talking to him was that he was desperate to come here. He wants to play football League games as do Newcastle United who want to see how he does at this level.
“Regarding Newcastle, they have been very helpful regarding Ryan’s move and I am very grateful that they have loaned him to us. He’s here for the month but if he does well and it is fine with his club, there could be a possibility of extending it even further.”
While Donaldson has walked through the gates of Victoria Park, another has gone the other opposite way as Billy Greulich has joined Blue Square Premier North league side Workington on a month’s loan.
The 19-year-old striker will link up with the Cumbrians for tonight’s home game against Eastwood town.
Wadsworth added: “Billy has been injured for quite a while and he needs some games – simple as that.
“I know the Workington manager, Darren Edmondson, very well and he told me they needed a striker and I thought it would be the ideal opportunity for Billy.
“He will hopefully go there, work hard and get some minutes under his belt in a very competitive league.”
