LUKE WILLIAMS will next week step up his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

The attacker signed for Hartlepool United in August, but has yet to appear for Matthew Bates’ side.

He won’t be involved when Pools take on Kidsgrove Athletic in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup at the Super 6 Stadium tomorrow.

He missed the first couple of games through tonsillitis, and then was forced out of contention with a knee problem. He had an operation to clear the issue.

And Bates said: “We don’t know yet with Luke, he’s off his crutches and the stitches are all out. First two weeks after the operation, he couldn’t do anything because of where the stitches are, but we hope to have a good look next week and see where we are.

“We’ve not had a lot of injuries this season and it’s gone well so far.’’

Pools allowed Louis Laing to leave the club this week as they came to an agreement over the remainder of his contract.

The centre-half last night signed for Blyth Spartans and will line up against York City in the FA Cup on Saturday. Bates said: “Louis left this week and he’s been talking to the club for a number of weeks. I think he’s lost his way a little bit, all the best for him.’’

Pools are looking for an extra striker to add to the squad, but Bates is willing to take his time to find the right player.

He added: “We are looking to strengthen, any manager wants to. We have had discussions in the club and we are working and looking for more. Man City, top of their game, will be looking for more. Every manager and every team does. We have had discussions, but nothing is imminent.

“There’s players out there, always players to look at and consider. But it’s about character and getting the right player in.

“We have a good squad and we don’t want to upset that – we will do due diligence on players we are interested in and go from there.’’

Admission on Saturday is £10 and £5 concessions with tickets available from the club’s ticket office.