POOLE Pirates boss Neil Middleditch is optimistic Kyle Newman can avoid surgery on his injured groin - but he is likely to miss Monday’s trip to Wolverhampton.

Newman was ruled out of last night’s away day at King’s Lynn, which was postponed at the 11th hour, having suffered internal bleeding during Poole’s home meeting with Coventry eight days ago.

The 24-year-old battled through the pain barrier in the return fixture and for Premier League club Plymouth before medics advised a spell on the sidelines.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “I don’t think he is going to need surgery but Monday may be a bit too soon.

“He is doubtful for Wolves away but we will leave him be over the weekend so he can find out a bit more.

“The main thing is he gets a bit of rest and makes sure he knows what is going on before rushing back.”

Meanwhile, Middleditch insisted no one had been to blame for the last-ditch call-off in Norfolk.

“It was the right decision,” he added. “We got to the track at 4.30 just as the rain came in and it didn’t stop for about an hour.

“Buster (Chapman, King’s Lynn promoter) is a bit of a master at sorting out the track after a downpour but I think the weather would have got the better of anyone.

“We had a thorough track inspection and to even attempt to start it would have been madness.”