Billy Paynter ruled out for season ahead of Hartlepool's clash with Wycombe

Posted Friday, March 17, 2017 by PA

Hartlepool go into Saturday's clash against Wycombe without Billy Paynter after their skipper was ruled out for the season following ankle surgery.

Striker Paynter, who had hoped a series of injections would solve a persistent Achilles injury, had his operation on Wednesday afternoon and will miss the remainder of the campaign.

Defenders Matthew Bates (ankle) and Sean Kavanagh (hamstring) are still sidelined, while Rhys Oates picked up a knock in Tuesday night's 1-0 win at Cambridge and will be assessed.

Full-back Carl Magnay played 45 minutes for the reserves in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday, but Saturday's game is likely to come too soon for him.

Wycombe have no fresh doubts for the trip north - with Chairboys boss Gareth Ainsworth seeing his injury worries ease of late.

Dominic Gape returned to the side for the midweek draw with Plymouth, while Sam Saunders came off the bench for the second game in a row.

Paul Hayes and Scott Kashket will be checked on having both been sidelined since early February.

Anthony Stewart (knee) is unlikely to feature again this season.