Loan star Lundstram impresses boss Flynn

The England Under-19 captain has made an instant impression in his first two games in the middle of the park after arriving from Everton for a month, providing some ball-playing quality that Rovers have lacked on occasions this season.

Rovers chief Flynn said: “He (Lundstram) is quality and people should not be surprised when they see (Cameron) Howieson play either when he comes in.

“I know quality when I see it. Initially, John’s deal is for a month and I have tentatively approached David Moyes to see if we can make it longer and he is not against that at this moment as he has been delighted by what he has seen and heard so far.

“John has a great variety of passing and it is as good as you see from a young lad.

“He is hungry for the football and has no fear. He just wants the ball – he is hungry to do well and also has loads of energy.”

Flynn may be busy hailing the consummate skills of Lundstram, but the future of another midfielder is shrouded in doubt, with injury-hit schemer Martin Woods set to be out for at least another month following a fresh problem.

The ex-Rotherham United player is out of contract this summer and it remains to be seen if he gets back on the field to feature this season once more – or in a Rovers shirt ever again.

Flynn said: “Unfortunately, Martin has been dogged by injuries for a long time and this other one is not good for him, to be honest.

“Being injured is the worst part of being a professional footballer, no doubt about that.”

Rovers head into today’s game with in-form Pools on top of the League One table for the first time this season with Flynn urging 
his side to squarely enjoy that feeling.

He added: “We need to enjoy it up there, looking down on others.

“When the lads picked the newspaper up on Wednesday morning after that dramatic result at Shrewsbury, they will have been smiling.

“If players are smiling and enjoying their football, you have every chance.”