MICHAEL Raynes has returned to Crewe Alexandra with injury ending his Hartlepool United loan spell.

The centre-half has suffered an Achilles tear after only three games on loan at Pools.

His season is all but ended and, with him out of contract at Crewe in the summer, he will be a free agent.

Pools will consider making a move for the experienced defender when he recovers from the problem and he could be back at the club next season.

Boss Craig Hignett, who has also lost Carl Magnay to knee surgery, said: “Michael has gone back, with what he has done then it’s not in his best interests to be here. His family is down there so he’s back home for treatment at Crewe.

The Northern Echo:

“Let’s see where we are, but he won’t be fit for the rest of the season. He did great for us, just what we needed – an experienced voice and a real leader. It’s an Achilles tear lengthways and if he kept playing it may have snapped and that could have been him done.

“A tear will heal no problem, so we just have to see.’’

Pools are back at the Super 6 Stadium tomorrow after back to back away games, when they won 4-0 at Boreham Wood and drew 0-0 at Ebbsfleet.

They take on Bromley tomorrow and Hignett, four games unbeaten since being appointed manager, added: “Our aim is not to look at the play-offs, but just go into every game thinking we can win and see where it ends. We look a threat, look solid. It’s all about building – if not this year then next.

“The defence is looking good without two experienced players. Aaron Cunningham has come in and you would think he’s played hundreds of games, but as a unit – and I count the wide men in that – they have all showed form at the right time.

“Come in and take their chance, Arron has certainly done that.’’

He added: “We have had two good performances at home and this will be another test, but it’s about what we do. We continue to improve and I’ll be delighted. We hope to give the fans something to get excited about.

“We lost there in the season, our heaviest defeat, but I just want us to do what we have the last few weeks. Every game is a tough one and they come here in form and they will expect a tough game.’’