Season over for Woods

The 24-year-old former Chelsea youngster suffered the injury in the second half of Saturday's 1-0 win against AFC Wimbledon.

Pools announced the midfielder had surgery on Sunday morning and would not be back to aid the club's battle against relegation from the Football League.

The club's head physio Ian Gallagher told the club's official website: "After speaking with medical specialists at the hospital and with the club's consultant it became apparent that Michael needed to have the operation as soon as possible.

"Due to the nature of the injury it was decided that we couldn't afford to wait. He's in the best possible hands now and once the surgery is complete we'll make sure he gets all the support he needs during his rehabilitation."

Woods has featured 27 times for Hartlepool this season having joined in August following a successful pre-season trial.