'Miles above the National League' – Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor discusses out-of-contract former Middlesbrough midfielder Luke Williams

Pools’ retained list confirmed that Williams has ‘been invited back for pre-season in a bid to earn a deal’ following the expiration of his contract at Victoria Park

The 26-year-old has made just three substitute appearances for the club over two injury-plagued seasons.

But just as they did last season, Hartlepool have offered the former Middlesbrough youngster an opportunity to stay at the club for the time being.

“Luke is another one who is out of contract and he’s had a torrid time with his injury record since he’s played really,” United boss Challinor said.

“For a young lad, some of the injuries he’s had have been really tough and it’s always going to be tough.

“He’s been understandably pretty down in terms of the frustration with the injuries where he seems to get back and then suffers a set-back which just seems to be the story of him for the past two years really.”

Williams played 33-minutes during Challinor’s first match as Hartlepool manager. The midfielder came off the bench during a 4-1 FA Cup first-round win at Yeovil Town back in November – playing a key role in the fourth goal at Huish Park.

But this remains his most recent outing for the club as a persistent hamstring issue ultimately cut his season short just as it looked to get going.

“No one doubts his ability, he’s a match-winner and even the Yeovil game where he sends Gime [Toure] through, those things are massive 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.

“We’ll chat with Luke, nothing has been decided in terms of where he’s at but he’ll answer a lot of questions for us.

“If I’ve got a fighting fit Luke Williams then, undoubtedly, he’s an asset to any team.”