On-loan Sunderland defender Scott Harrison says Hartlepool United can climb up League Two

DEFENDING WELL: Scott Harrison in action at Plymouth Argyle. Picture by FRANK REID

The on-loan Sunderland defender - whose deal is to be extended for a further two months - has also given his backing to under pressure manager Colin Cooper.

Cooper’s side put in an improved performance against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park but still came away with nothing.

The club’s top scorer, on-loan Charlie Wyke from Middlesbrough, missed Saturday after being knocked unconscious at Northampton Town last Tuesday - a game Pools lost 5-1.

In came Marlon Harewood to partner Jonathan Franks but Pools were unable to take advantage of the few chances that came their way.

Harrison was taking the positives from the match at Home Park though and the 21-year-old centre half is confident the momentum will soon swing back in Pools’ favour.

“Against Plymouth we played far better than we did against Northampton,” he told SportMail.

“But the result is all that matters and we need to be winning games.

“That is what it is all about.

“Charlie [Wyke] was a big loss, he is a good player and puts himself about but Marlon [Harewood] is a good player and he did well against Plymouth.

“He put himself about, won aerial battles but we just missed a few chances.

“You can’t blame anyone, it has just not happened for us.

“It is always going to be hard when you are near the bottom.

“But if you get a couple of results then you can quickly climb the table.

“The lads are more than good enough and we shouldn’t be in there at all.

“But as soon as it starts going our way, we will climb the table a lot easier.”

Harrison, who enjoyed a spell on loan at The Vic at the end of last season, has spent the past four weeks back on loan at Pools from the Black Cats.

Cooper confirmed after the match that the no-nonsense defender’s stay at the club is set to be extended for a further two months.

Delighted Harrison told SportMail: “I am more than happy to be here.

“This is where I want to be, getting the experience playing league football in front of fans at packed stadiums rather than playing for the Under-21s.

“It is what I want to be doing.

“I am loving my time at Hartlepool.

“All the lads are class, the gaffer is class and it is a good place to be.

“It is about getting the experience and playing in a proper league.

“That is what it is all about.”