Former Sunderland winger Luke Molyneux discusses injury set-back and the role Dave Challinor played in his Hartlepool United comeback

The 21-year-old suffered an injury to his lower leg and foot during a pre-season match at York City back in July which was initially expected to keep him out for a couple of months.

Following surgery on his ankle, it was revealed that the damage was worse than first expected and he would be sidelined for at least another few months.

But after hours of work in the gym and on the training ground, Molyneux has now made his return to the Pools starting line-up – a feat he marked with a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Aldershot Town last weekend.

“There was a bit of a set-back at the start,” Molyneux said about his injury.

“I was back on the grass but I just didn’t feel right in myself and I wasn’t sure what it was and my ankle didn’t feel how it should.

“The lads were even saying that I didn’t look right when I was running so I went to get another scan and something else appeared.

“I’m not sure where it came from but that’s what led to the surgery and thankfully I feel fine now and I just need to kick on.”

Molyneux returned to training well before his return to the first-team picture on New Year’s Day against Harrogate Town as he came off the bench to mark his first minutes as a permanent Hartlepool player.

United manager Dave Challinor has been cautious with the former Sunderland winger, who has had to be patient in waiting for his opportunity to start.

“The gaffer has been really good,” Molyneux admitted.

“We’ve spoken a few times about when I’d be coming back and there’s been games postponed like the Sunderland [Durham Challenge Cup] game where I was hoping to get my first real test in.

“But to be involved every week on the bench and stuff like that has been good and then to get my first real start now is even better.”