MATTHEW BATES is loath to put a timescale on Luke Williams appearing for Hartlepool United – but admits it will be sooner rather than later.

The attacking midfielder signed for Pools in August, but has yet to turn out for the club and he is currently recovering from a knee operation.

He won’t be involved in Saturday’s home game with Sutton United, but Bates hopes to see the former Pools loanee and Middlesbrough prospect back in the coming weeks.

Speaking at his press conference this morning, Bates revealed: “Luke is off his crutches, he’s still a bit stiff in his knee joint and not where we would really like him to be so far.

“I don’t want to put a time on it, but he’s not where we want him to be. We look at it day by day and we wait for him to get there. He’s a good player and we want him out there on the pitch. It’s no-one’s fault, it’s just how things are. He’s desperate to be back, working hard in the gym each day and we won’t put a time on it, but it’s weeks rather than months.

“We are still talking, but nothing is concrete at the moment. We are trying to improve the squad, everyone wants to do that.’’

Pools have no new injury concerns for the weekend and Bates added: “There’s a full squad available – barring Luke – and some players got a run out on Wednesday at Sunderland West End. We have a full squad, who are all wanting to play.’’