Pete Wild admits Hartlepool United are hoping to extend defender Sam Lavelle's loan deal

The experienced centre-half has impressed since signing on an initial 28-day deal from the League Two outfit, establishing himself in a back three alongside Reiss McNally and Maxim Kouogun.

While Pools still have plenty of work to do defensively - indeed, Wild's side have conceded seven goals in their last two games - there is a sense that the back line is beginning to look far more solid and coherent.

Although Pools have also been boosted by Kouogun's return to fitness following almost two months on the sidelines, there's little doubt that Lavelle, who Wild hailed as "a proper centre-half" following his arrival, has made a big difference.