ANTONY SWEENEY could be without top scorer Gime Toure at the weekend.

The Hartlepool United caretaker manager will give the attacker every chance to be passed fit to face Notts County on Saturday, but admits he is a big doubt.

“Gime has had a minor hand operation on Wednesday and we have to wait and see how it settles – a fall and he could suffer permanent damage,’’ said Sweeney.

He added: “Myles Anderson is back in full training, Luke Williams has had no issues. He has been in full training and starts to come into contention.’’

Sweeney remains in caretaker charge and Saturday will be his fourth game in command. After three wins and three clean sheets, things could not have gone better for the rookie boss.

He said this morning at the club’s training ground: “Results mean the club doesn’t have to make a knee-jerk reaction. We have changed managers too often so if there’s the possibility of taking time and reaching the right conclusion then we take that.

“If we had lost these three games then I’m sure someone else would be sat there now – but the wins have given the club time to decide.’’

Sweeney added: “The performance last weekend got the message over to what we are trying to do – we were good value for the win.

“I’d like it to be even better and we looked a threat going forward and being more stable at the back too.

“Things have been good this week, the under-19s game was called off which gave me the chance to watch Notts County on video – it’s been a good week and we are ready.

“We are expecting a good couple of days in training and take that into the weekend.

“Nothing has changed in the role, this week has gave me time to focus on specific aspects – we plan what we are going to come up against on Saturday and now we hope to put that into action.’’