ANTHONY WILLIAMS is expected to be farmed out on loan by Hartlepool United within the next 48 hours.

A number of Third Division clubs have been monitoring the player's situation and just last week he was being tracked by ambitious Hull City.

Manager Neale Cooper admits the goalkeeper is facing an uncertain future at Victoria Park.

Williams was back in the Pool team for the first time since the opening day of the season on Tuesday night as Pool went to Oldham in the LDV Vans Trophy.

But just like at Peterborough on August 9, Williams and Pool conceded three goals.

Pool were knocked out 5-3 on penalties after an entertaining 3-3 draw and although Williams couldn't be blamed for the goals, Jim Provett will be back in the side for Saturday's trip to Blackpool.

"He has been working hard in training and that's why I put him in there on Tuesday," said Cooper. "He hadn't even touched the ball and we were one down and we conceded three.

"It's disappointing for Taffy. I gave him a chance and gave Jim a rest, it's a busy period for us with three games in a week. But he has been working hard and that's why he got a chance."

Williams has been Pool's No 1 for the past three seasons after moving from Blackburn and Cooper added: "He has an important year ahead of him, his contract is up at the end of the season. What happens in the future, who knows?

"He knows he can't come in asking why he hasn't been in the team because Jim has been outstanding.

"He needs to start thinking about his future. He has asked to go out on loan if there was no chance of getting back in the first team, but until we are satisfied we have cover that cannot happen."

Pool have had former Greek under-21 keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos on trial.

Striker Eifion Williams limped off towards the end of Tuesday's game with a sore hip, but should be fit for the trip to Bloomfield Road.