Winger to miss six weeks (From The Advertiser Series)

Winger to miss six weeks

12:15pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport By Nick Loughlin

INJURED: Andy Monkhouse

ANDY MONKHOUSE is facing up to six weeks out of action with ankle ligament damage.

Hartlepool United’s left winger hobbled off in the opening minutes of last Saturday’s defeat at Crewe and sat out Tuesday’s game with Bradford, as Pools suffered a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit on penalties.

Evan Horwood likely to play on the left side in Saturday’s game with Doncaster, although boss Neale Cooper could field a 4-3-3 formation with loan signings Charlie Wyke and Ryan Noble playing off Steve Howard.

Antony Sweeney is likely to start in midfield, with Simon Walton left out after a flat performance in midweek.

Walton was replaced in the second period and failed to make the most of a chance to impress.

Player of the year at Plymouth last season, his move to Pools has to date been a failure.

“I gave one or two boys a chance but some didn’t take it,” said Cooper.

“I spoke to Simon and said, ‘here’s a chance for you’.

“He wasn’t happy about not being in the squad last week but that’s not good enough and I’ve told him that in the dressing room.”

Pools reserve side yesterday won 2-0 at Bury with goals from Nathan Luscombe and Greg Rutherford. Sam Collins and James Poole started, while Luke James was replaced after 30 minutes because of injury.