Flinders is one of two Pools keepers out injured

Hartlepool United first-team coach Mick Wadsworth says the return of injured goalkeepers Andy Rafferty and Scott Flinders has been hampered by weather.

Flinders and Rafferty are both battling to regain their match fitness, but snowy conditions have forced the club to train indoors.

"Andy is getting there and so is Scott Flinders," Wadsworth told BBC Tees.

"But the great problem for them both is the inability to do the rehab work they desperately need to do on grass."

In the absence of the injured duo, cover has been provided by Blackburn Rovers keeper Jake Kean, whose loan spell will come to an end on 4 January.

"Jake Kean's been a fine deputy and has done really well, but Scott and Andy will be battling to get back on the pitch," added Wadsworth.

The much-travelled former Newcastle United coach took over from Chris Turner in September. And he has since led Pools to within four points of the play-offs, and a place in the FA Cup third round.

We've had one or two what I would call 'Dog and Duck' moments but by and large we have been very difficult to beat Mick Wadsworth

"Players have developed, the team has developed," said Wadsworth. "They've worked very hard to become harder to beat.

"We've had one or two what I would call 'Dog and Duck' moments but, by and large, we have been very difficult to beat.

"Other than the Sheffield Wednesday and Carlisle games, we've competed well in every match.

"The staff who are helping me have worked towards making the team better and we're building a certain amount of belief that we can win games."

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