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SAM Collins could be available for the weekend's game with Swansea City, after X-rays revealed the Hartlepool United defender has not suffered any broken ribs.

But Richard Barker could be missing for longer, with hamstring trouble as Pools have yet to discover the extent of his problem.

Both Collins and Barker were forced off in the early stages of Monday's win over Yeovil.

Collins was forced off after landing awkwardly, with boss Danny Wilson admitting he feared the injury could rule his defender out for the season.

However, the diagnosis is severe bruising, with the visit of the league leaders within sight.

Wilson paired Collins with Ben Clark from the start on Easter Monday, and it's a partnership he is keen to look at.

"Ben came back in the side the other day and I was a bit disappointed because I wanted to see Ben and Sam together and see how they did,'' admitted Wilson.

"But we lost Sam and Micky Nelson came in, and did every well in there with Ben.

"Ben is a good footballer and likes to use the ball and the two centre backs had a tough test against Lloyd Owusu, who can be a handful.

"Ben likes to use the ball from the back and links the ball into midfield in an accomplished way. That helps at home as you need composure on the ball when you are trying to break teams down who come to us like Yeovil did and play 4-5-1.

"It's not easy, so you need that bit extra invention and Ben's got that. He can keep it going - and it was pleasing that the back four and goalkeeper kept a clean sheet.

"That was something which really pleased me. They have had a lot of criticism this season, particularly away from home so it's nice to be able to give them a pat on the back when they deserve it.''

Barker will have treatment on his injury this week, which he suffered while being fouled before the deadlock was broken.

3:02am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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