Hartlepool United have confirmed the signing of Sunderland defender Scott Harrison on loan until the end of the season.

The League Two bottom side had been given permission to take the 21-year-old until the summer, but manager Ronnie Moore revealed that his decision to sign the player only came after seeing him in action on the training ground.

Moore is quoted by the Sunderland Echo as saying: "I'm not going to sign anyone who I haven't seen or know about.

"To be fair, Sunderland have allowed him to come in and train and been brilliant with us, but they aren't going to wait forever because there are other clubs out there [who will be interested in taking him].

"I've wanted to see him in a couple of games this week, but you can't get on the bloomin' pitches. Scotty wants to know what's going on and he is keen enough."

Hartlepool are currently eight points adrift at the foot of League Two.