Last updated at 12:50, Wednesday, 01 February 2012

Dan Wordsworth will be given a chance to prove his worth at Workington Reds following Paul Johnson’s departure.

Dan Wordsworth

Wordsworth has played the last three reserve matches in preparation of Johnson returning to parent club Hartlepool.

Johnson was a revelation at the back alongside Kyle May and boss Darren Edmondson failed in three attempts to persuade the League One side to let him stay at Borough Park.

Johnson is now expected to fight for a place in the Hartlepool first-team, which is fresh from beating Carlisle United 4-0.

Edmondson said: “I wanted to keep Paul. He’s a great character, a humble young man and has a bright future in the game if he continues to listen.

“He is going to be part of the Hartlepool first team now and he leaves us a more rounded player than when he came in November.

“Now it’s Dan’s time to shine and he’s got to grab this opportunity to play first team football.

“Dan has shown us in pre-season what he can do, and he’ll fit straight into the team. He knows how we play and it’s only fair to give him a chance.”

Edmondson said there would be money available to bring in a player on loan, but only if they would vastly improve what he already has.

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 01 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk