Neil Austin has been given a boost following the ankle injury he sustained at Rochdale after x-rays confirmed there was no fracture.

The full-back will now receive treatment for the ligament damage he suffered after a heavy challenge from Dale defender Joe Widdowson.

Club Physio James Haycock revealed that it was a relief to find there was no break but said that Austin would be out of action for at least a month.

"It's looking like he'll be on the sidelines for about four to six weeks," he told us.

"There was quite a lot of swelling after the game on Saturday and it's still a little swollen today but we're thankful the x-ray results were negative."

Austin will be a big miss to Pools, having won both the players' and the supporters' Player of the Year awards in his first season with the Club.