Tshibola staying with Pools

The 20-year-old has impressed in the four games he has played for the League Two strugglers and rejected interest from another club to stay at Victoria Park.

"I always wanted to stay here," he told Hartlepool's official website. "I feel comfortable at the club and didn't want to ruin that, so once there was the chance to stay I was keen to get everything sorted.

"I am ready for the fight ahead now - if we keep on playing like we did against Tranmere then I am more than confident we can stay up."

Pools boss Ronnie Moore, celebrating his 62nd birthday on Thursday, said: "It's fantastic to have him here until the end of the season; I think he's grown in stature since he's been with the club.

"There is no doubt that he is capable of playing at a higher level, and he had the opportunity to go and play higher - the pleasing thing is that he's decided to stay here and fight it out with us, that proves what kind of man he is."