LOAN duo Bryn Morris and Joe White are both major doubts ahead of Hartlepool United’s trip to Colchester United this evening.

The pair started Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sutton United, but were both forced off with injury issues sustained during the game.

Morris, who is on loan from Burton, was involved in a series of midfield battles at the weekend and eventually succumbed to an ankle injury, while White, who has joined Pools on a temporary switch from Newcastle United, has injured his wrist.

As a result, both players are doubtful starters at Colchester’s JobServe Community Stadium as Pools like to extend their current unbeaten league run to eight games.

“Bryn took one to the ankle, and Joe White has a knock on his wrist which will need X-raying,” said Pools boss Graeme Lee.

“You get three wins on the bounce and you’re smiling, and then bang, have that. But that’s part and parcel of football. There’s knocks and bruises, and we’ll assess them.”

Zaine Francis-Angol made his first appearance since November at the weekend, and Lee was delighted with the Frenchman’s impact.

Having been a regular starter in the first few months of the campaign, Francis-Angol has increasingly found his involvement limited to the cup competitions, but he started against Sutton as an injury to Jamie Sterry and David Ferguson’s unavailability because of an illness necessitated a defensive reshuffle.

The 28-year-old was defensively solid, and provided the assist for Tom Crawford’s equaliser, with Lee having been impressed with his attitude during his time in charge.

“It’s difficult, but he’s been nothing but professional,” said Lee. “He’s done everything right in training. He hasn’t sulked or kicked up a fuss – he’s just done things right.

“Sometimes, it’s pleasing to see when the lads do get an opportunity, and this was that time. The lads who have been in on the pitch sometimes make your decisions easier because of the performances they’ve been putting in, and that’s been key to us moving forward, that consistency with those lads.

“Zaine covers various (defensive) areas, but we’ve got other players as well who can cover in certain areas and give us other options, so it’s just a selection thing.

"I’ve got Jake Hull there who hasn’t featured – he’s come in and hasn’t done anything wrong. He trains well, but the lads who have been playing have been doing excellent.”