Hartlepool United have signed veteran midfielder Alan Thompson from League One rivals Leeds on a one-month loan deal.The 34-year-old, who has commanded over £7million in transfer fees during his career, has struggled to feature regularly for the Elland Road side this season after being hampered by hamstring and calf problems.

But the former Bolton and Celtic midfielder is fit again and in line to feature in Tuesday's home clash with Southend.

Leeds manager Dennis Wise said: "I had a phone call from (Hartlepool manager) Danny Wilson, had a chat with Thommo, and he would like to go on loan. He needs to play games - which he hasn't been doing.

"He's had his calf problem which is a concern, and he's come off in games, but this gives him a chance to play.

"We can have him back in 28 days. He can play games, and get some match fitness. He wants to do that. What I've said is 'play some games, get yourself fit and show you're capable'."

Wise has drafted in midfielders Neil Kilkenny and Bradley Johnson this month and Jonny Howson has returned from injury, while Thompson has been an unused substitute in Leeds' last two matches.

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