NEALE Cooper is looking forward to having Marco Gabbiadini back and bothering Division Two defenders in the near future.

Hartlepool's seven-goal, 35-year-old striker is currently on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery last month.

He was expected to be fit and back in contention by now, but is still feeling some discomfort.

Cooper, however, scotched suggestions that Gabbiadini's career is on the line and has every confidence in his striker making a full recovery.

"He's got to have his knee checked out again, but it's only a setback,'' said Cooper, whose side face Peterborough at Victoria Park tomorrow.

"We think there is a bit of cartilage still floating about, so he will have it cleaned out again.

"It's nothing like the end for him, no way. He's getting on a bit, so these things are said sometimes, but he is an important player for us.

"He has scored some vital goals this season and we are missing his experience at times. He knew he couldn't play at Sunderland last week, and it must have hit him hard when he was looking on.

"But I hear he got a great ovation at half-time from both Sunderland and Hartlepool supporters - it makes a change from the opposition fans having a go at him!"

Gabbiadini last week admitted: "My operation was nothing major, but it hasn't really done the trick. I need a bit more doing.

"It's something I've had done a few times before, getting the knee flushed out and usually I'm back training after two or three weeks.''

One Pool striker who is on his way from Victoria Park is Marcus Richardson.

He is currently on loan at Lincoln and the Imps are shipping out five players to free up the funds needed to sign the big striker.

Scott Willis, Rory May, Mark Camm, David Coulson and Chris Davies are all on their way from Sincil Bank. Richardson is also taking a pay cut to secure the move.

Pool chairman Ken Hodcroft has been in America on business and is likely to give his blessing to the deal when he returns today.

"Marcus has done well there,'' said Cooper. "Lincoln's game suits him and they have taken to him.''

Chris Shuker's loan period ends after tomorrow's game, but the Manchester City winger is ready to extend his stay for a further period.

Read more about Hartlepool here.