Newcastle United youngster's successful loan spell at Hartlepool United could be cut short due to injury

The 21-year-old defender has spent the full season on loan from Newcastle United at Victoria Park as Pools secured a play-off place in the National League.

But Cass was forced to sit out Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 play-off win over Bromley following a hamstring injury picked up in training on Saturday.

Midfielder Gavan Holohan went off after taking a knock during the match as Pools boss Dave Challinor gave a post match fitness update.

“Gav will be fine, he took a kick but that’s all it was,” he said. “Cass is potentially more serious.

"He tweaked his hamstring on Saturday when he was training on the side of the pitch, he wasn’t even on the pitch on the game involved, putting a cross in.

"I’d be speculating but it’s not a four week hamstring injury, it’s a seven to 10 day hamstring, maybe two weeks.

"Whether it’s the end of his season will depend on how quickly he recovers and if we progress next week. It could be the ultimate question. Hopefully our season ends on the 20th June with success and that’s the end of his season. If it’s next Sunday then it might well be."

Timi Odusina returned to the side in Cass' place and Challinor was delighted with the way the former Norwich City youngster rose to the challenge at Victoria Park.

“In adversity comes opportunity and that came around for Timi who stepped in and did really, really well,” Challinor continued. "He’s different to what Cass is undoubtedly, but I thought he had a really good game.

“He went into the game when we spent all week working on a team for the game and he had to go in last minute. So with very little preparation it’s a test in terms of, we say to all the players when we do 11 v 11, the 11 who potentially aren’t playing, make sure you listen to what roles you may go into.

"They did that and have been part of a team that has got us to a play-off semi-final.

"There’s no reason why he can’t go and do the same on Sunday.”

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