LUKE WILLIAMS is no closer to making his Hartlepool United debut. The attacker has yet to appear for Pools since signing in August, and new boss Richard Money does not anticipate having him available soon.

After suffering from tonsillitis after he first signed, the former Middlesbough prospect has been sidelined by a knee problem.

It was hoped surgery would provide a solution, but an initial operation failed to have the desired affect and, after complications, he had to go under the knife again.

Matthew Bates, the former Pools boss, hoped Williams would be available for selection in and around the Christmas programme, but it appears he is some distance away from being fit.

Asked about Williams’ return, Money said: “I can't give you a timeframe.

“He is still in rehab. I cannot say any more than that really.

“He is not even doing any work yet, a little in the gym but he has a lot of muscle to build back after two ops.

“He will not be back in the foreseeable future.’’

Money omitted two loan signings, Marcus Dinanga and Tyrone O’Neill from his squad on Saturday against Havant and Waterlooville.

Dinanga is due to return to Burton in the new year, at the same time Pools are getting striker Jake Cassidy back from Maidstone.

Money said: “Unless they have changed the rules and we can name an 18 man squad then we have to have a five-man bench.

“Having brought [Lewis] Hawkins back I have to take the opportunity to see him. Myles [Anderson] passed a fitness test and I want to see him.

“It was purely a selection thing.’’