CHRIS Westwood sailed through his first taste of pre-season, but knows his foot injury is something he will have to live with.

The Hartlepool United defender feared he would have to miss a chunk of pre-season after suffering a stress fracture of the foot during the summer break.

He reported for training on crutches, but a scan showed there was no need for an operation.

While Micky Barron was unable to play after feeling effects from his summer hernia operation, two games in Holland in the last week have proved there is no major problem for the defender, an ever present in the side since moving to Pool in 1999.

He said: "I had a stress fracture. I've had people asking me how I've done it - one bloke came up to me in Asda and said I had done it go-karting!

"I don't know how I could do it like that, it's an old injury which has flared up again.

"Because it's not one of the major bones, it's a problem with a small bone in my foot, the specialist said if I can bear the pain then I should just carry on with it.

"It constantly aches, there is that to put up with, but with a couple of painkillers it's OK.''

Westwood started a right-back against FC Eindhoven last Friday, setting up Joel Porter for Pool's second goal in the 2-1 win, and he admitted: "It was hard work getting up and down the line at times, especially the way they played.

"I could see Joel at the back stick and it was all about getting it over the first defender.

"We had two good, tough games in Holland this time, harder than the last few years.

"You could see the difference in Top Oss since they turned professional.

"Eindhoven were a strong team and it was very warm as well.''

Pool head for Scotland this week, facing Ross County on Friday, Inverness Caley on Sunday and Berwick Rangers a week tomorrow.

Jack Ross was forced to stay behind as his new teammates were in Holland after suffering a knee injury seven days ago.

He is expected to be fit for tomorrow's game at Billingham Town following a week of treatment at Victoria Park.

Pool will go to Carlisle for a friendly on Saturday, July 31 (3pm).

l Former Pool keeper Anthony Williams has signed a one-year deal at League Two club Grimsby after impressing boss Russ Slade during a trial period.

Read more about Hartlepool here.