Dave Challinor has this message for Luke Williams as ex-Middlesbrough ace signs new Hartlepool United deal

Williams’ injury struggles at Pools have been well documented, the attacking midfielder is yet to start a competitive game since arriving at Victoria Park over two years ago.

Now he has a second chance having penned a new deal, the length of which has not been revealed by the club.

Williams has been working hard working with specialists to regain full fitness over the past few months and has featured for the club during pre-season.

Challinor insists the former Middlesbrough academy graduate, who is match fit, should be playing well above National League level and he hopes Williams can finally put his injury woes behind him at Pools.

Challinor said: “No one doubts his ability, he is a match-winner at this level.

“If Luke Williams is 100% fit and firing with a full season, he’s a player who is miles above the National League he just needs to get to the point where he can trust his body and his body doesn’t keep letting him down.”

Williams made his Boro debut in 2009 at just 16 years and 200 days, becoming the club’s youngest player in over a century.

The former England Youth international turned professional with Boro before gaining senior experience with loan spells at Pools and Scunthorpe United.

Pools host Torquay United at Victoria Park on Saturday teatime in a 5.20pm kick-off, the game live on BT Sport.

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