Hartlepool appear to have ended their interest in taking Town midfielder Colin Healy on loan. Pools have signed Healy’s former Cork City team-mate Joe Gamble and director of sport Chris Turner says that he is expecting to make no more additions to his squad during January.

The League One side initially tried to sign Healy from Cork in the summer before the Blues matched their €100,000 offer and the former Irish international moved to Portman Road, signing a two-year deal.

Turner recently confirmed that a loan move for Healy, who has failed to nail down a first team place with Town, was on the cards, but has now decided against doing so with Gamble expected to be his only January signing: "I would think that will be the only new player in this transfer window.”

Healy, who returned to the Town side at Crystal Palace on Boxing Day after missing out since August, is one of a number of players expected to leave the Blues on loan during January with Roy Keane recently revealing that a number of clubs had been in touch regarding the ex-Celtic and Sunderland man's availability.

Liam Trotter has already signed on for a month at Millwall, while Tommy Smith, who needs games ahead of New Zealand's World Cup campaign, is interesting three clubs with a League One side - possibly Brentford - said to be the favourites for his signature. Plymouth are also reported to be interested in the central defender but are currently subject to a transfer embargo, although they expect it to be lifted later this week.

Town boss Roy Keane has said that there has been loan interest in central defender Troy Brown, while Ed Upson and Reggie Lambe may also be sent out on short-term spells.

Defender Jack Ainsley is back from his two months at Rushden and Diamonds with Keane unhappy at his lack of action, but could be sent out again.

Elsewhere, Celtic are close to signing 18-year-old Derry City midfielder Darren McCauley, who was linked with the Blues, Blackburn and Coventry last September.

One report claims that McCauley spent time on trial with the Blues as well as at Blackburn, but the Irishman is expected to complete his move to Parkhead later this week.

Meanwhile, today's postponed home reserves game against Wycombe has been rearranged for Wednesday 24th February at Portman Road (KO 2pm).

The reserves match at home to Luton has switched from Wednesday 20th January to Tuesday 2nd February at Portman Road (KO 2pm). The game has moved because its original date clashes with the U18 side's FA Youth Cup tie against Arsenal.

Photo: Action Images

splitnotes_return added 13:58 - Jan 6 It is a shame they dont want him really.... In the games I have seen him I am sorry to say he has been found wanting and at present (I hope he comes back having had his confidence lifted to prove me wrong) League 1 or 2 is more his level.
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bleedblue added 14:31 - Jan 6 They must be rubbing their hands together, thanking the heavens that they haven't got him on their books, what a waste of money!
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jas0999 added 16:32 - Jan 6 Shame - we badly need to get rid of him.I accept this signing probably ruled Roy's heart than head - but still - Healy is truely awful!
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steedy28 added 09:59 - Jan 7 obviously none of you went to palace away. He was our best player and didnt waste a single ball. He will be involved again i think
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xerox added 11:09 - Jan 7 I have to agree with steedy28. I also was at the palace away game and thought he played very well. Must have been hard after not being involved in the team for so long. Was unfortunate when Stead was sent off as keane changed the system when we went a man down. I think going out on loan will benefit both him and the club. His confidence should grow and he should come back to us a better player. Only time will tell.

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