POOLE Town frontman Luke Roberts admitted his frustration at missing the start of the National South season as he awaits a scan on a knee problem.

The 23-year-old striker, who has attracted the attention of a number of full-time clubs during his time at the Black Gold Stadium, sustained the injury a week before the start of the league campaign in a friendly at Weymouth.

Since then, he has been seen by Cherries physio Steve Hard and is set to undergo a scan to ascertain the full extent of the damage.

It has left Roberts playing a waiting game, with an initial date set for August 18, unless he can get booked-in any sooner.

Roberts insists he will be a keen onlooker of Poole’s progress over the coming weeks and could be present when they host East Thurrock tomorrow (3pm).

Asked about the injury, he told the Daily Echo: “I went to see Steve Hard and he said it could be a few things.

“He suggested I get a scan, so I have one booked-in and that will give me a full outline of what the injury is.

“It’s frustrating for me but, with the team we have, the boys are more than good enough to put in a performance each week.

“We showed last season that, with the squad we have and the players we have, we are more than capable of competing in this league.”

Speaking about his initial reaction to the injury, the talented striker added: “The pain initially was excruciating.

“At that point, I thought ‘yes, I have done something quite bad here’.

“Then, it eased quite quickly and I thought maybe it wasn’t as bad as I first thought.

“Over the next few days, it stiffened up. I couldn’t really bend or straighten it and that’s what the situation is now.

“I can’t really straighten my leg or bend it fully.

“I am going to watch every game at the moment while I wait to see what the full extent is.”

Commenting on Roberts’ injury, Poole boss Tom Killick, who is hoping to have Lewis Lindsay and Carl Pettefer back for the clash against East Thurrock, added: “He is one of the best players in the league.

“He could play for anyone in this league, he could play for anyone in the league above and we are without him, so it’s going to affect us.

“Hopefully, we can get the scan done and we can get some positive news.”

Poole were pegged back by a late Bognor equaliser during a 2-2 draw in midweek following their opening day win at Weston.

Like Dolphins, East Thurrock have picked up four points from their opening two league games, drawing 1-1 with Hampton & Richmond Borough before winning 3-2 at Whitehawk on Tuesday.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Moore, Dickson, Spetch, Whisken, Smeeton, Burbidge, Devlin, Lee, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cooper, Baggie, Bedford, Rees, Neale, Balmer, Lindsay, Pettefer.