Hartlepool United interim boss issues worrying Vadaine Oliver injury update

Hartlepool United interim boss Nicky Featherstone has issued a concerning update on forward Vadaine Oliver.

Oliver has four goals in eight appearances for Pools this season since arriving on a free, the 34-year-old ex-Shrewsbury and Stevenage forward has proved an important focal point for the team in recent weeks.

But he was missing for the visit of strugglers Morecambe to the North East and after the game, interim boss Featherstone issued an update to Red Radio. Pools are yet to announce who will be replacing Simon Grayson on a permanent basis in the dugout. Oliver will be missing from the trip to FC Halifax Town this weekend too, it has been confirmed.

On Oliver’s absence for the disappointing midweek draw with Morecambe, Featherstone said: “He struggled with his knee, we gave it the best chance possible but I think it might be a little worse than we thought. He will have scan later on this week and we will go from there. He won’t be available for Saturday.”

On a very wet and windy Tuesday evening, Hartlepool and Morecambe were forced to share the spoils following a 1-1 draw in the National League. Pools went ahead after just three minutes when Adam Campbell lofted the ball over goalkeeper Jamal Blackman and the forward came close to adding a second shortly afterwards, firing inches wide.

Blackman was called into action again to deny Danny Johnson and Ludwig Francillette nodded over for Morecambe just before half-time.

The Shrimps levelled five minutes after the break when Admiral Muskwe slotted home from the penalty spot and Blackman made a vital stoppage-time save from Campbell’s effort before Nathan Sheron’s follow-up attempt was cleared.

Your next Hartlepool United read: 'A nervousness, an anxiousness around the place' - Nicky Featherstone reacts to Hartlepool United's Morecambe draw