Cooper Sees Big Future For Defender Paul Johnson

Hartlepool United manager Neale Cooper says that he sees a big future for young defender Paul Johnson, despite the defender being sent out on loan this season.

Johnson made a loan move to Darlington in March and has started eight games for the Quakers. Although Johnson is yet to be on the winning side, Cooper says the experience will help develop his game.

''Jonno's looked good every time I've seen him and he's probably been a bit unlucky not to get as much of a chance this season.

''So we've sent him out on loan and that will be an invaluable experience for him. He'll come back here and will hopefully be looking to push the likes of Sam Collins and Peter Hartley and compete with young Jack Baldwin as well.''

The youngster has a contract at Victoria Park until the end of next season and Cooper insists that it will be a positive experience for Johnson.

''The whole experience will be good for him - no matter what happens when he's there, good or bad. This will do him good and we hope he has a big future.'' he told the Mail

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