By Albatross
December 11 2003

No sooner has another Pools player gone on loan than another arrives! Neale Cooper has added Manchester City's Chris Shuker to the Hartlepool United squad on a month's loan. Shuker is 21, and although described as a utility player is usually employed either in midfield or as a striker. He's rarely played for City's first team but has had loan spells at Macclesfield, Walsall, and most recently Rochdale. During a three month spell at Spotland he made 15 appearances, and Dale manager Alan Buckley was keen to keep him for the rest of the season - but Shuker instead opted to return to City to fight for a place.

He has got a Squad Number with Keegan's men - 40 - and made three Premiership appearances at the start of last season, including his only start in the 2-2 draw with Blackburn. Described at one point by Keegan as "a bundle of energy", Cooper will be hoping that Shuker can bring that energy into the Pools midfield, which has at times been accused of lacking in pace and creativity.

At only 5'5", Shuker is not what you'd describe as tall, and during his loan spell at Rochdale spent most of his time on the wing. One Rochdale fan of my acquaintance praised his workrate, commitment and first touch, claiming that the problems he had were the players around him! Not necessarily someone that looks to take people on, he does however look very comfortable on the ball and makes some great runs when off it.

Will Shuker be coming to play in the middle? Possibly, although after looking less than impressive against Burton it may be that Shuker's fellow loanee from across Manchester Danny Byrne may miss out. Shuker has arrived in time to play against QPR on Saturday, and seems likely to be involved at some point in the match.