Double blow for Pools

Hartlepool United have suffered a twin blow following knee injuries to Michael Proctor and Tony Sweeney.

Proctor's is the most serious of the two as the striker could be absent until Christmas after undergoing a knee operation.

He had not played for Pools since the end of August and manager Danny Wilson feels the surgery was the best route to take.

"Michael has had surgery and it is a shame for him, but it was in his best interests to get it done," said Wilson.

Sweeney hurt his medial ligament during Hartlepool's win over Grimsby on Tuesday and is likely to be out for a month.

Wilson took an upbeat view on the midfielder's injury and is optimistic the League Two side can cope without the duo.

He added: "It is a blow, but it is not as bad as it could have been and hopefully he will be back before we know it.

"There are fewer games in October compared to this month, so the miss won't be too bad.

"Nobody likes to hear about injuries, but we have a good squad here and hopefully they won't be missed too much."