MICK Wadsworth is likely to move into the loan market this month, after losing Sam Collins to injury.

The captain suffered damaged medial knee ligaments in the early stages of Saturday's win and, while Steve Haslam will stand in  at Notts County today, Wadsworth accepts Collins will be a loss.

"We lost Sam Collins which was a big blow because he's been immense for us and we don't have a natural replacement in terms of that type of player. I've always said if we lose a centre-half it could make it tough,'' he said.

"But Stevie Haslam came in and did really well - he hasn't maybe got the height but what he offers you is a great reading of the game which he showed.

"He's very good in the air, relative to his size, and I thought he did a terrific job.

"We're not sure how bad it is at the moment, we'll have to wait and see. 

"He's not in contention for Monday, that's a certainty - but we'll have him looked at and see where we go from there.

"If Sam's going to be out for a longer period we'll have to think about maybe bringing a big guy in because you need size there in this league.''

Notts County's former Pools' defender Graeme Lee is a short-term possibility after he was told he can leave Meadow Lane. Darlington are also interested in his services. 

Andy Monkhouse is available today after suspension and he will start. James Brown and Paul Murray are likely to be on the bench, with Joe Gamble starting in place of Murray in central midfield.

"We can't anyway because Sam is injured but we've got Andy to bring back in from suspension,'' said Wadsworth.

"I'll move the team around. Joe Gamble will probably come back in and I'll think it through elsewhere.

"There's no way I'll start with the same 11.''

And while Pools are on the edge of the play-offs, Wadsworth won't be getting carried away with his focus for the season.

"It's just great to be in this situation of getting up the table and giving us, most importantly, the chance to secure League One football for next year because I still say that's the first marker - let's get past 52 points,'' he said.

"That's what the chairman wants and he's right to ask for that."