Hartlepool United: Colin Cooper tips Luke Williams for success

Hartlepool United manager Colin Cooper has tipped the on-loan Luke Williams for a bright future in the game.

The 20-year-old forward joined Pools in January having started just once in 12 months for parent club Middlesbrough.

He has scored twice in six games since, but at present his one-month deal ends after Saturday's trip to Northampton.

"All we've done over the past month is allow Luke to express himself. He's so talented and I know he'll have a great football career," Cooper told BBC Tees.

Williams became Boro's youngest-ever debutant in 2010.

But he has struggled to secure regular football since, and after a year without starting a match was hauled off midway through their FA Cup defeat by Hull City in January.

"I know [Middlesbrough head coach] Aitor Karanka likes him as a player," Cooper explained.

"So although I've had conversations with Boro to try and keep him, we'll have to see because they might decide to bring him into the first team."