LUKE WILLIAMS remains on the road to recovery with Hartlepool United.

Signed in August, the former Middlesbrough prospect has yet to appear for Pools after suffering a knee injury.

Surgery failed to correct the problem and he needed a second operation which stalled him further.

Signed by Matthew Bates, Williams is working his way back under his third different manager this season, but Craig Hignett has every faith in his ability.

“Luke is recovering, he’s running and had the ball out. But he’s been out a while, we do it bit by bit. If he comes through this week then we do a bit more next week with him,’’ said Hignett.

“He has had a real bad time, I feel sorry for him. He’s worked really hard and all he wants to do play football. When I talk about quality and character, he’s got both.

“If he was fit then he wouldn’t be here long because of his quality. If we do get him right then he could be the best player in this league. He is still some way off.’’

Hignett is naturally loathe to rush him back and understands the need for patience with the attacker who appeared for Pools on loan from Boro in 2014.

He added: “I’m hoping to see him in four to six weeks hopefully. We will have to be careful and not just throw him in.

“It wouldn’t be fair on him, he will need some games before he is anywhere near pushing for us.’’

Carl Magnay missed out at the weekend with a knee problem and the defender is waiting for advice on the injury. He was due to see a specialist on Sunday to discover the extent of the issue, but it’s not expected to keep him out of action.

Hignett said: “Mags felt close to playing, but then is going to see someone over the weekend for a diagnosis. After a few days training he felt a bit weak. We’ve trained last week on AstroTurf which may not be great for him.’’

The Pools boss has brought about an improvement in performance from the squad since he took over from Richard Money.

Pools signed three players last month on loan and have four temporary signings in their ranks, with a maximum of five permitted in a matchday squad.

While open to adding to his squad, Hignett said: “Identifying players is easy, but it’s hard to get players in at this stage of the season. We keep working behind the scenes and if we can do it then great, if not then we work with them. The players here are playing for their futures and responding.’’