Adam Boyd has delivered a slice of good news to Hartlepool United boss Martin Scott.

Striker Boyd damaged knee ligaments in last Saturday's home defeat to Yeovil, ruling him out of today's trip to Blackpool.

But any fears of the striker being sidelined long term at Victoria Park have been dispelled after an exploratory operation.

No serious ligament damage was uncovered and Boyd will be out for around six weeks.

Matty Robson is out for a similar period after damaging an ankle in training on Monday.

"It went as well as operations can, there was no major find,'' said Scott of Boyd. "He will be out for four to six weeks but hopefully he will come back nice and bright."

"He's showed signs he is getting back his form of last year, but he will come back fitter, mentally stronger and he will have a massive part to play this season.''

"Losing Adam and Matty is a big blow. Adam suffered a bad knock. From his point of view, it was a scoring chance he was going for.

"That's what Adam is all about, he's very committed, but he came off worse.

"Everyone knows what he is capable of and, contrary to speculation about my opinion of Adam Boyd, I think he's a great lad. He's very committed to the cause and nobody rates him more highly than I do.

"I've a very good relationship with the lad and I'm gutted for him that he is injured.''

Scott is also without first-teamers Joel Porter and Micky Barron, while today's game comes too soon for Hugh Robertson, who only returned to training on Thursday and has yet to appear in the squad this season.

Ritchie Humphreys will play at left back this afternoon. The skipper started the season in defence when Robson was previously sidelined.

"Ritchie has done a good job for us at left-back early in the season and he provides us with another option,'' said Scott.

"It's not ideal having so many injuries, but we've a lot of good young kids coming through, a big squad with lots of players, and this could be a good opportunity for them.

"Everyone has to stick together, work hard and they are all doing that.

"I've had a reaction in training from these lads every single day, not just on Monday after the Yeovil game.

"Initially they were disappointed after the Bradford game, you can go as far back as that.

"They've been massively positive every week and every day since then.

"We've had a great week in training, it's been a privilege to come to training. No-one is dwelling on anything.

"We started last week's game very well and I thought defensively we were sound.

"This squad and group of staff will stick together and you only have to look at Blackpool to see how quickly things change. They have had two victories on the bounce and all of a sudden they are moving up the table.

"We look forward to Blackpool, but it will tough. They've taken six points from six and Colin Hendry has done a good job.''

On-loan Neill Collins has returned from Scotland under-21 duty and Mark Tinkler is also likely to start at Bloomfield Road this afternoon.

He hasn't played this season because of a tendon problem, but was named on the bench last Saturday.

Scott said: "Tinks didn't play for the reserves in midweek because we couldn't afford to risk him.

"He's had two-and-a-half reserves games and worked his socks off in rehab.

"He deserved his place in the squad last week and he can't wait to be involved.

"We've Micky Barron missing, Darrell Clarke fighting back, Joel Porter out as well - they are all massive players for us.

"We said from day one it's a squad thing - staff included - and I cannot ask any more from the players in training.

"Yes, it has been a disappointing start for us but we will fight it out.''