Atkinson loaned to Hartlepool
Hartlepool have completed the signing of Middlesbrough defender David Atkinson on loan.
The 21-year-old, who can also play in midfield, has joined for an initial month and will go straight into Colin Cooper's squad for Saturday's home league game against Portsmouth, subject to paperwork.
"David is an exciting young player and he's ready to take on this challenge now," Cooper told the club's official website.
"In the past he's had some trouble on the injury front but there's no doubting his ability as a footballer and physically he'll be more than up to the job because he's in great condition.
"He's been challenging for first-team football at Middlesbrough until quite recently so we're really pleased to get him through the door here because he'll definitely add something for us."
Atkinson has progressed through Middlesbrough's academy and has captained the club's Under-21 side.