HARTLEPOOL UNITED might not have the biggest squad in football, but they are well stocked in one position – and with two rightbacks injured, it’s just as well.

Michael Duckworth missed Saturday’s win over Shrewsbury with a hamstring injury.

Stuart Parnaby started in his preferred position, only to be forced off with hamstring trouble in the first-half.

Jordan Richards replaced the former Middlesbrough man and gave a solid display, earning praise from boss Colin Cooper.

Parnaby and Duckworth will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s home game with Tranmere.

Cooper said: “Michael tweaked a hamstring in training on Friday. He is having a scan Sunday morning, so we will know the extent. It was in some technical relay races and he felt it as he tried to hit a ball 20 yards. Stuart was feeling good and strong, started well and felt a hamstring.

Another blow and the opposite one to previous.

“We are looking at next weekend, it’s a stretch already for that. Jordan Richards will be disappointed not to start against Shrewsbury, he works so hard every day, plays every reserve game no qualms and comes in and trains on his days off.

“He did himself the world of credit again. An opportunity for him means he deserves the chance. Football works like that sometimes, so let’s see.’’ Pools yesterday extended the loan of winger Ryan Brobbel from Middlesbrough for a further month and Cooper could make more signings now the emergency loan window is open.

The Pools boss indicated last week he had been working on setting up some transfers to go ahead this week.

He said: “Nothing changes on the transfer front for me. I said last week that it doesn’t mean the phone calls stop and not make connections.

We are all making calls about availability and trying to add quality and some quantity.’’ Pools’ first home win of the season came last weekend, with a sterling performance from his players against the previously-unbeaten Shrews.

“As far as I’m concerned this is one victory, I’m happy and I’m not getting pelters from over my shoulder like I have been recently,’’ said Cooper. “I’ve no problem with that and I want them to come and support the team.

The fans go home happy – they are the most important people at this club.

“The lifeblood of the club, we need them to come and support us and not get on the players backs – a lot of them out there are still young men.

The fans were great and we have to try and come back home next weekend to give them the points again.’’