Hartlepool United’s ex-Chelsea defender’s injury sickener

Harry Worley in action for Hartlepool United against Sheffield United. Picture by FRANK REID

Last week against Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup, the Pools boss was forced to throw on-loan Middlesbrough defender, Adam Jackson, in for his debut.

The 21-year-old did not let Moore or Pools down – in fact he and Matthew Bates excelled at the back in the face of wave after wave of attacks from the Robins.

Jackson came in after on-loan Luton Town giant Magnus Okunghae was not available and Scott Harrison was ruled out with hamstring trouble.

Moore hopes to have both Okuonghae and Harrison fit for selection this Sunday against Leyton Orient and plans talks with Hatters boss John Still about keeping the 29-year-old Londoner for a further month.

It comes at a time when one of his big summer signings, Harry Worley, faces around three months on the sidelines.

The 26-year-old former Chelsea prospect has had surgery on an ankle injury.

It is the latest in a catalogue of problems for the defender, who joined Pools from Stevenage.

Worley has played only five times since his move, including one appearance as skipper in the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy against Sheffield United.

“It’s a sickener for Harry and for us,” Moore told SportMail.

“We’ve not seen the best of him – he’s a big strong player who knows the leagues inside out.

“It’s unbelievable, the injuries he has had are unbelievable and now we are looking at February before he can get back.

“It’s disappointing for him and a hard one to take for everyone.

“He’s a big lad and the big lads don’t go down much, do they?

“He missed last season through injury and he’s a big lad who picks up knocks.”

Worley had hoped his switch to the Vic would be a new start following his stints at Stockport County, Chelsea, Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle United, Leicester City, Luton Town, Crewe Alexandra, Oxford United, Newport County and Stevenage.

He only played three times for the Borough last season because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Moore though says he’s a player of size and ability and wants to see him back in a blue strip.

“We hope now we can get this sorted and get him fit and everyone can see what he’s all about,” he explained.

“He’s six foot four and should be able to play at this level with his eyes closed.”

Worley has undergone his op and is expected to be out for 12 to 14 weeks.