COMMANDING Hartlepool United defender Gary Strodder has been ruled out of action for six weeks.

The former West Ham stopper is to undergo surgery to remove scar tissue from his troublesome Achilles after a scan last week.

Strodder, out for three months last season with an Achilles injury, has not been in action since the win over Southend on December 2 and has seen his teammates enjoy a 100 per cent record in his absence.

Pool hope to keep that five-game winning run going against Doncaster in the LDV Vans Trophy at Victoria Park tonight and boss Chris Turner admitted: "It's a blow to be without him for so long, but he has been troubled for a long time.

"Hopefully this will be the last of his problems, but James Sharp has come in and done well and his concentration and fitness levels are improving all the time.''

On-song midfielder Tommy Miller is hoping Pool can put their cup experience to good use tonight and avoid being the victims of a giant-killing act.

Pool entertain Nationwide Conference side Doncaster looking to progress to the last eight of the Northern section of the much-maligned tournament.

Miller, who took his tally for the season to 12 in Saturday's win over Exeter, is sure that last season's cup adventure will stand them in good stead.

Pool produced one of the shocks of the competition when they won at high-flying Preston a year ago tomorrow and Miller said: "It's nice to have a little break from the League, but we won't be taking Doncaster lightly, they will be going all out to beat us.

"No-one gave us a chance at Preston last season - they were doing very well - and we played them off the park and surprised a few people. They will come to us wanting to turn us over. They are a Conference side who want to get back in the League.''

Turner will field the same side for the fifth consecutive game after Mark Tinkler's ankle injury from Saturday proved little problem.

Meanwhile, Pool keeper Martin Hollund is considering his Victoria Park future after failing to oust Anthony Williams.

Hollund started the season as number one, but a groin injury sidelined him for two months and he has been unable to win back his place.

The 26-year-old joined Pool from crack Norwegian outfit Brann Bergen in 1997 and admitted he is thinking about a return to his homeland.

He said: "I feel that it is time to start looking for a move back home. If a Norwegian Premier Division club or one of the best Division One sides are interested, it could happen.

"It took a long time to get back to fitness but now I am fine and keen to win back my place. It is more up to Williams than me, and he has been in great form lately. As long as he plays like that, he will keep his place. My chance will come if he loses his form.