Hartlepool boss Danny Wilson concedes Jonny Rowell is not ready for first-team action despite including the youngster against Bristol Rovers.The 17-year-old was an unused substitute in the goalless draw against Rovers as the late withdraw of James Brown to a knee injury forced Wilson to draft in the starlet at the Memorial Stadium.

Midfielder Rowell has impressed for the reserves this season, but Wilson is cautious about rushing his progress.

"He is nowhere near ready yet," Wilson told the Hartlepool Mail. "But the experience of coming away with the first team won't do him any harm.

"I have to say we are a bit thin on the ground anyway, which is no detriment to bringing Jonny Rowell in.

"The 16 we had on duty on Saturday was about it. If we get another couple of injuries, we are in trouble, so it is nice that you can call on a kid like that who is upcoming."

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