Hartlepool coach Micky Barron is confident the trio of players who signed their first professional contracts can step up to first-team duties.Jonny Rowell, Matty Tymon and Joe Tait were all handed new deals at the end of last season and will join the rest of the squad for pre-season training before the new season kicks off on August 9.

Barron insisted the youngsters will need to learn quickly to make the most of the opportunity they have been given.

"I think the lads will be okay," youth team coach Barron told the Hartlepool Mail. "It is hard for them because they have got to make an impression in the first three or four months.

"They have got to show the manager what they can do in pre-season and try to get a few games under their belts - then they will soon find out if they are good enough or not and it is down to them to sink or swim.

"When you are on the training ground you are normally okay with the physical side of things, but the important thing is having the belief in yourself to talk to the senior pros and ask them questions."

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