Hartlepool United boss Lee Clark quells Jamie Miley and Jack Nolan injury concerns
Lee Clark has delivered an update on the fitness of two key players ahead of Hartlepool United’s National League opener against Barrow.
Lee Clark has moved to quell concerns Jamie Miley and summer signing Jack Nolan could miss Hartlepool United’s National League opener against Barrow.
Former Newcastle United midfielder Miley was handed a start in Saturday’s final pre-season friendly of the summer as Clark’s side rounded off their preparations for the new campaign with a narrow win at Victoria Park. Miley had already been replaced by the time Corey McKeown grabbed the only goal of the game in the final minute after he picked up a knock during the first-half. However, Clark has revealed the decision to replace Miley at the break as a precautionary measure and he expects the midfielder to train on Monday as thoughts turn towards the opening day of the season.
Speaking after Saturday’s win, Clark said of Miley: “It was just a kick. You get them iced up straightaway, precaution. He will be fine, he will train on Monday. It’s a competitive match, he took a whack to the shin but no problems with that.
Summer signing Nolan was involved in the warmup ahead of Saturday’s win against Fleetwood but was not involved throughout what was a successful end to his side’s pre-season campaign. The former Morecambe man became one of Pools’ main summer signings earlier this summer as they fought off competition from a number of EFL and National League clubs to secure the forward on a two-year deal.
Risk
Nolan has shown flashes of his unquestionable quality in recent weeks and Clark believes the forward will be available for next weekend’s home clash with Barrow after confirming he wasn’t prepared to take a risk with his fitness during the win against the Cod Army.
“Jack had a little issue but he’s fine,” explained the Pools boss. “I wasn’t even prepared to take one percent risk with any player if there was any kind of small niggle or they felt they weren’t in the right condition, they weren’t going to be involved and that’s the case with Jack. With the exception of Luke Charman and Owen Hampson, we will have a full squad to choose from for the Barrow game.”
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