GARY McALLISTER believes Malcolm Christie can bring the guile and experience to Leeds United that Dougie Freedman provided last term.

The 29-year-old former Middlesbrough striker was a surprise debutant in Monday's FA Cup replay demolition of Northampton Town.

Leeds are now keen to sign Christie on an initial short-term deal that could lead to a more permanent arrangement once he has proved his fitness.

McAllister said: "Malcolm was very tired (after Northampton) and there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel for him. He will bring us the guile and experience we had with Dougie Freedman. He is also a proven scorer at a level higher than ours.

"It will be very similar to Paul Telfer in that we have to gauge him and if he can prove he can play a few games, then we can look at it differently."

Freedman joined Leeds on loan from Crystal Palace in March when the club were 10th in the table and helped McAllister's men reach the play-off final.

Hartlepool make their second trip of the season to Elland Road and McAllister is hoping for a repeat of his side's 3-2 victory in the Carling Cup third round.

He said: "The boys had two days off after Northampton because we have been on the road and travelling a lot. But since Thursday, they have been looking forward to the game.

"Kevin Kyle has come in to Hartlepool and people may think their style has changed by going a lot more direct. But they haven't and their principles are to try and play.

"Again, we are expecting a competitive match. The Cup tie was tight, though if we had been a bit more clinical we would have won more comfortably."

McAllister has almost a fully fit squad available and admits the performance of some of the players recalled at Northampton on Monday has given him a selection headache. He said: "I am not one to single out individuals but David Prutton had an excellent game at Northampton. He played with a lot of energy."