Bates backs midfielder to have an important role in Pools survival fight
Matthew Bates has backed Hartlepool midfielder Jack Munns to have a massive say in Hartlepool's fight to retain their National League status.
Creative midfielder Munns has played just 45 minutes of reserve team football this season but clearly has the backing of his boss.
As well as suffering a number knocks Munns most serious issue came recently when he had an operation to remove a benign tumor removed this past month.
Bates has said he believes himself that Munns has the talent to be a hit among Pools fans but it's down to him to prove it.
“I was wanting to get him involved last weekend but it was probably too soon for him and, looking back, it probably was, but he will be a good option for us now and he is in contention to start on Saturday.
“Jack has had a mouth tumour removed and of course it’s a concern for everyone. He’s a positive character and he will have a big role to play in the coming weeks. “He’s been a miss around the place, the club and the training ground.
After the operation he had to spent time recovering and resting at home. He couldn’t do anything with stitches in his mouth and his character has been missed – he’s a joker, a real Essex lad, and all the lads have missed having him around the place.” Luke George is the only player who Bates has a real concern about, bar banned Scott Harrison.
It was revealed last week George could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring problem.
“Luke (George) is going to be out a long time, but apart from that and Scotty Harrison being suspended we are OK,” said Bates.
Defender Liam Donnelly will be available this weekend but will be missing for the midweek clash with Barrow due to his recent call-up to the Northern Ireland under-21 squad.
Credit to The Northern Echo and Hartlepool United for the imagery used.