RONNIE MOORE is on the lookout for midfield reinforcements ahead of tomorrow’s game with Carlisle.

The Hartlepool United boss looks like being without Michael Woods (ankle) and his probable replacement Bradley Walker (thigh).

With striker and captain Billy Paynter (hamstring) also a doubt and Matthew Bates (Achilles), Harry Worley (ankle) and goalkeeper Trevor Carson (toe) already missing, Moore’s squad is stretched.

Moore said: “Harry Worley isn’t far off to be fair, he could be OK next Tuesday but we can’t risk him this week. Everyone else, Woodsy is 60-40 against and he probably won’t play.

“We have to be careful with him and he’s just come back from a horrible injury and we’ve played two games a week so far which takes it out of you, so we are governed by how he feels.

“We all know what a good player he is and Buster got him back and he got himself back quickly – he put the effort in to get back fit and playing. He’s a big player for us, gets on the ball and passes it and we aren’t as good as when he’s not playing.’’

“Brad has a thigh strain and he’s had a scan and it will be three to five days recovery. It’s down to him really and if he wants to rest it then it’s what he wants to do.’’

Of Paynter he added: “Billy went off the other night and it’s touch and go with him. Heads or tails. Right down to the wire.

“He felt a hamstring tighten up and we took him off the other night and it’s a bit more than he thought it was. He wants to play, no doubt.’’

Moore admitted he has searched for a new signing and said: “We are always looking and trying to get experience in is difficult. We could do with another midfielder in there,

“I’ve tried to get someone in, knocked on a lot of doors and no-one has opened them. There’s young ones out there who we could bring in, but we have to see how the injuries develop.’’

Last season, Moore worked the loan market to the advantage of Pools and others.

Aaron Tshibola moved from Reading without any Football League experience, but after half a season in Moore’s side he returned to his parent club and has been a regular in the Championship this campaign so far.

Moore added: “I always knock on doors for players and sooner or later you get one. Experience and there’s not a lot out there, but young lads who could give us more energy and pace to go and join in with the strikers.

“We got Tish in last season and he was tremendous for us. But you watch Under-21 football and it’s all tippy-tappy and the physicality of the player has to be right to come in here. We don’t want a little lad in who will get kicked about in League Two.

“It’s finding the right one, that’s the thing. Can we find the right one with the right size? Tish coming here was a benefit to him, to us and to Reading – he’s now playing Championship football.’’