NO sooner had Hugh Robertson returned to the Hartlepool United side, the left-back is facing up to another injury worry.

After being troubled a long-standing foot complaint, Robertson was back in the Pool side for the weekend's win at Bradford City.

But he hobbled off in the closing stages after suffering a gash to his calf which required 11 stitches and he is a doubt for Friday night's game with Huddersfield at Victoria Park.

Saturday's win ended a miserable four-game losing streak and coincided with the return of Robertson, Chris Westwood and Mark Tinkler.

Cooper said: "He came off on Saturday and his foot was covered in blood.

"But we took his boot off and there was no cut. But behind his calf there was a real gash and it needed stitching up.

"I think he was so shattered after playing his first game for weeks, he didn't even feel it!

"So that's a little problem for us and I thought the three lads who came back into the team all played their part.''

He added: "Saturday was a big result against a big team. Robertson, Tinkler and Westwood brought their experience to the team and a wee bit of freshness.

"The thing is, with nine games to go, we've got a strong bench available again. Gavin Strachan, Ben Clark and Adam Boyd were all on there and they would get into most teams.

"Then there was a few players sat in the stands who couldn't get on the bench on Saturday - Daly, Appleby, Barron.

"They will be devastated not to be involved, but with nine games to go we are going to give it a real go.

"Other results went our way at the weekend, so we will take every bit of help.''

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