CRAIG HIGNETT insists looking after Luke Williams is his priority in pre-season.

The attacker signed for Pools last August, but suffered a miserable time with injury ruling him out for the season.

Three games into pre-season – Pools face Middlesbrough at home tomorrow (1pm kick-off) – and Williams has yet to be involved.

But boss Hignett admits he isn’t in a rush to throw the former Boro prospect into the fray and he is likely to sit out tomorrow’s game.

Williams needed two knee operations last season, the second a procedure to correct an issue from his first surgery, but is now ploughing through pre-season without any issues.

Hignett said: “Luke wants to play, but I’m not letting him. We have waited so long for him and he’s frustrated himself. He’s done every day of pre-season training, no set-backs, joining in with all the football and wants to be involved and play.

“It’s down to me now, and I’m looking after him. I want him to be ready, I want him firing and not easing his way into games. I want him there, fully on it and be the Luke Willliams people know. See him in training and see what he does, it’s ridiculous.

“He looks effortless, in slow motion and he gets away with it – he’s a special talent and I want him ready without him being forced in at the wrong time.’’

Pools will unveil their new kit at this afternoon’s open day the Victoria Park from 12.30. The Neale Cooper Stand is open for the event, with the new strip, manufactured by O’Neill’s available from the new club shop on Clarence Road from 1.45.

Following the success of last year’s event, Pools are aiming for a bigger even this time. There’ll be activities for the family throughout the afternoon, with plenty of opportunities to get pictures and autographs with the players and coaching staff.

The squad are due to take to the pitch around 1pm and, after showing off the new kit, players will line up for the official team photograph, before a big team photos with fans included.

Inflatables and games for young fans will start underneath The Neale Cooper Stand from 1.30 where the players and staff will join in.

Open Day Schedule: 12.30pm: Gates open, 1pm: New home kit is revealed, 1.15pm: Official team photograph and fans team photograph, 1.30pm: Inflatables and games open under Neale Cooper Stand, 1.45pm: Shop opened, 5pm: event closes.