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Hartlepool manager Colin Cooper says the impact full-back Michael Duckworth has had since joining is an example of the talent playing non-league football.

The 21-year-old arrived from Conference North Bradford Park Avenue in August and has made 16 starts in League Two.

"Michael's been an absolute revelation for us," Cooper told 91Èȱ¬ Tees.

"There will be other gems at that level, but often the problem is that we can't offer a salary to justify the risk of them quitting their day job."

Duckworth began his career with the York City academy but failed to win a full-time deal.

He then moved on to Harrogate Railway and Park Avenue before being offered an extended trial with Hartlepool and ultimately securing a professional contract.

"It was more by luck that we found Michael if I'm totally honest. I knew his manager at Bradford and he asked me to take a look at him," Cooper explained.

"Because he is young, he didn't have the kind of tough decisions that some non-league players have.

"If you have a family, security is everything. If signing a contract means earning less than having a full-time job, and playing part-time it's too risky."