Hartlepool United youngsters Josh Donaldson and Kian Foreman featured for Hebburn Town against their parent club on Tuesday night.

Hartlepool United manager Lee Clark has backed Hebburn Town to help Kian Foreman and Josh Donaldson become ‘more rounded and improved players’ during their time at the Trustmark Group Stadium.

Foreman agreed to a second loan spell with the Hornets earlier this month after enjoying a productive stint with Daniel Moore’s men as they claimed last season’s Northern Premier League title and landed a historic promotion into the National League North. He was joined by fellow Pools youngster Donaldson last week and both players featured against their parent club in a friendly on Tuesday night before spending the first half of the season with Hebburn.

Kian Foreman scores for Hebburn Town against parent club Hartlepool United (photo Tyler Lopes) | Tyler Lopes

placeholder image — Kian Foreman scores for Hebburn Town against parent club Hartlepool United (photo Tyler Lopes) | Tyler Lopes

Foreman caught the eye with a lively display that was rewarded with a stunning goal just five minutes before half-time and Donaldson racked up valuable minutes as he works towards full fitness. Clark was impressed with the duo and believes they will benefit from their time working under Moore and his coaching staff.

He said: “I know they’ll get coached really well. We love the setup here, they’re great people and the level they’re playing at is a tough level. So we feel Kian and Josh will be well looked after and we have seen tonight, I was delighted with how they have performed against us and I am under no doubts they will come back to us as more rounded and improved players.”

Problems

Kian Foreman celebrates after scoring for Hebburn Town in their pre-season friendly with Hartlepool United (photo Tyler Lopes) | Tyler Lopes

Hebburn boss Moore was also delighted with both of his most recent loan signings and he singled out Foreman for praise as the young winger looks to continue the improvement he has made over the last 12 months during his time with the Hornets.

“I’m pleased for him,” explained the Hornets boss. “Him and Josh, thanks to Hartlepool, they’re trusting us with their younger players. I think Kian is only going to get better. You can see that because I think he is better than he was last year. We played to him, we tried to get him one-v-one, let him cause problems, which he did. That final bit, he can work on that, but that’s what we are here for, that’s why he’s with us.”

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