PAUL Smith is being kept on a tight rein by Hartlepool United manager Chris Turner.

The Pool boss is wary of overworking the left-winger after he was injured in the 12-0 win over Theole during Pool's tour of Holland on July 10.

Smith suffered a knee injury as he collided with the home keeper in the closing stages of the win and has yet to reappear in any of the four games since.

And he won't be playing this afternoon as Pool take on Bradford at Victoria Park, with Turner looking at Wednesday and Barnsley's visit as a more viable alternative.

After that Pool have only Scarborough to play in a friendly before taking on Carlisle in the Division Three opener on August 10.

Turner said: "We all know how valuable he is to us. He has taken a kick to the back of his knee and it's the sort of thing that can keep you out for three weeks.

"Hopefully he will take part against Barnsley."

Pool take on Nicky Law's First Division side this afternoon and despite losing 1-0 to Stockport in midweek, Turner was satisfied with the performance.

"There were a lot of pleasing things to come out of Wednesday,'' he said. "We used the ball well in and around the final third and we had plenty of chances."

Pool entertain Newcastle on Monday and St James' boss Sir Bobby Robson is believed to be sending a team made up of youth players and first-team squad members who were not involved in last night's final friendly of their Dutch tour.

l Midfielder Tommy Widdrington has also suffered a setback in his return to action. The former Southampton schemer has been out since January with back and hamstring problems and after joining his Pool teammates for pre-season training, Turner was hoping to see him in pre-season action.

But he is back on the sidelines and Turner said: "He has been coming along well, but this has knocked him back a little bit.

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