 He returned to full fitness in October 2006, coming on as a half time substitute in a 2–0 away defeat against Burnley at Turf Moor.Struggling to break into the first team at Hull at the start of the 2007-08, on 1 October 2007 he signed for League One side Hartlepool United on a one-month loan deal.He made his debut for Hartlepool five days later in a 2–1 away defeat against Nottingham Forest.