MATTHEW BATES feels the competition for places in his Hartlepool United can only be a good thing.

The Pools boss has stuck with the same starting XI for the last five unbeaten games and has plenty of options to alter his side if he feels the need.

Pools go to Solihull Moors tomorrow on the back of only one defeat this season in nine outings.

It’s been a positive start to the campaign and Bates admitted: “It gives me something to think about for Saturday – do I mix it up? There’s competition for places and lads on the bench who want to be involved.’’

Recent signing Luke Williams has yet to appear since joining after illness, but is back in training.

“Luke is coming on well, he will train Thursday and Friday,’’ said Bates. “We will look at him and see how he is, we don’t want to rush him back – it was only tonsillitis, but it knocked him back a week to ten days. He had injuries last season so we want to be careful with him and not rush him in.

“It’s a nice position for me and Luke as well that we don’t have to rush him back quickly.

“I want him back to his very best and he will get there, he’s desperate to get back. It’s nice to have the option when he’s available.’’

Skipper Andrew Davies is also recovering from an ankle ligament injury and Bates said: “Andrew is doing fine now, ahead of schedule and he’s feeling good about it. But we have to go with the physios and medical staff and it was a grade 2 tear and that takes time regardless of how he is feeling. There will still be damage in there so we have to take our time.

“When he get on the training pitch then we will know how he is.’’