HARTLEPOOL United midfielder Thomas Tennebo is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a double fracture of the leg in yesterday's reserve game at Halifax.

The Norwegian broke both the tibia and fibia in a strong challenge in the early stages of the goalless draw at The Shay.

He was last night transferred to the North-East and will this morning undergo an operation to set the fractures.

Tennebo, who moved to Pool during the summer of 1999 from part-timers Fana, made 11 league appearances last season and has spent the majority of this campaign on the bench.

Craig Midgley missed a second-half penalty for Pool, while reserve team boss Colin West twice hit the woodwork.

Defender Graeme Lee made his first appearance of the season and after a 90-minute run out could be in contention for a quick return to the squad for Saturday's trip to Mansfield.

West said: "I thought the lads played well overall, a much improved performance from last time.

"We passed the ball much better and it was a very good defensive display - Spike (Lee) did well, but the whole of the defence played well too.

"But what happened to Thomas overshadowed the game and we can only hope he is back sooner rather than later.''

Pool also fielded former Sunderland goalkeeper Chris Porter, who has been signed short-term to cover for injured Martin Hollund.

Norwegian Hollund started the season as Chris Turner's first choice, but has been sidelined in recent weeks with a pelvic problem as Anthony Williams has impressed in goal.

Porter will be on the bench at Field Mill on Saturday with Hollund ordered to rest as he undergoes a bone scan tomorrow to discover the extent of his troubles.

The 19-year-old Porter ended last season on loan at Darlington but failed to make an appearance and has been on trial at Oxford.

Former Leeds midfielder Andy Couzens appeared in midfield for Pool yesterday.

He is looking for a club following his release from Blackpool and Turner admitted: "There are a lot of players floating around looking for clubs at the moment and I will use the reserves as a chance to take a look at some of them."

Couzens cost Carlisle £100,000 when he moved from Elland Road after making 28 appearances for the Premiership club.

Saturday's game is no longer all-ticket for visiting fans, but Pool have been resticted to 564 tickets and they can be bought from the club shop.

Tickets are also on sale for the derby with Darlington at Victoria Park on October 7.