Turner fears over Porter fitness

Porter has four caps for the Australian national side

Hartlepool United manager Chris Turner has expressed his worries regarding the condition of striker Joel Porter.

Porter, 30, was forced to miss the trip to Oldham on Monday with tendonitis in his Achilles, and Turner is not sure when the Australian will return.

"Since we've played Stoke [on 3 January] Joel's not trained which is quite a concern," he told BBC Tees.

"It's an injury that needs rest. The more you work them the worse they get -the physios are doing their best."

Reports suggest that the Australia international, who has been with Pools for over five years, will return to his homeland at the end of the season, with Gold Coast United believed to be the location.

Pools are in the middle of an injury crisis in the striker department, with Porter's name now added to that of Michael Mackay and long-term absentee James Brown, while Coventry City striker Kevin Kyle has also returned to his parent club following a loan spell.

And Turner admitted there is a plan to bring in extra cover for the squad during the transfer window, if the right personnel can be found.

"We, like everyone else, are looking at the strengths and weaknesses and if we can try to strengthen then we will," he said.