Middlesbrough have loaned goalkeeper Joe Fryer to Hartlepool United on a half-season deal.

The 21-year-old, who is yet to make his first-team debut for Boro, has been a regular for their under-23 side.

Pools have brought in the Chester-le-Street-born player as cover for Trevor Carson, who has undergone surgery to correct a shoulder injury.

Fryer, the first signing by new boss Dave Jones, is in the squad for Saturday's League Two game at Newport.