Craig Harrison lays down the law over Hartlepool United defender's departure

The Mail understands that Harrison, who could be involved for Pools today at Dagenham & Redbridge, already has a deal in place to leave this month – with a number of National League and Football League sides inquiring about his availability in recent weeks.

And, having fallen down the pecking order at Pools this season, Harrison would let his defender go.

But, without a suitable replacement and in the midst of an injury crisis, the Pools boss is finding it difficult to give any departure the seal of approval.

“Scott is with us. He will be with us until I deem he is not needed,” said Harrison of the former Sunderland central defender.

“It is harsh on the lad being singled out.

“It is what it is, though.

“He has been injured but is now back on the training pitch.”

Illness and injury have meant that Harrison has rarely been able to call upon his ‘first-choice’ starting XI.

that has been particularly obvious in the backline, where changes week-to-week have been the norm this campaign.

A lack of continuity has been far from helpful this season for Harrison, although the manager is not about to use that as an excuse for his players’ struggles.

“A lack of continuity has not helped,” he said.

“When I look back I wonder when we have been able to pick our best team. It has been tough.

“But that’s what you have a squad for and I think we have strength in depth.

“No disrespect to the others - some have come in and taken positions they have deserved through performances.

“It is part of football but we have had too many.

“We have more players training this week than we had last week, so to me that is a positive.”