Hughes starts after Ricketts injury

Last updated : 01 September 2007 By Dave Moore

A last minute groin injury to Michael Ricketts meant that John Sheridan's plans to use Lee Hughes as substitute at Hartlepool had to be changed. Sheridan threw Hughes in at the deep end and gave him a starting place. The manager was impressed with what Hughes did but he admitted that, due to the team performance, the new striker was starved of service.

The manager said, "I wasn't going to play Lee, but then we lost Michael Ricketts when he felt his groin in training. He's biting at the bit but it was very difficult for him, but he came through the game. Everyone thinks Lee can do this and do that for us, but he needs to get match fit and sharp. But he's got a game under his belt now and that won't do him any harm."