Hartlepool United’s Rhys Oates is ideal to be League Two star says Matthew Bates

Rhys Oates in action for Pools during their 1-0 loss at Exeter City. Picture by FRANK REID

That was the assessment from Matthew Bates, who has been impressed with the form shown by the 20-year-old in an attacking role for Pools. Oates had made a number of early-season sub appearances before coming into the starting XI for the first time against Bournemouth.

He made an early exit that evening but was picked again for the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy and looked good down the right side.

The Yorkshire-born prospect has stayed in the side and enjoyed his best game at Exeter on Saturday.

He made several quick and dangerous runs and whenever Pools threatened the Grecians, invariably he was involved.

“Rhys was good,” said Bates, who has played in all four tiers of the English game.

“I’ve seen that in training since he came in and got settled in.

“Rhys has got pace to burn – he’s direct and that’s what you need in this league.

“He’s always on the front foot and that’s good for us.

“I wouldn’t like to be the left-back playing against him, that’s the good gauge of a player I think.”

Oates has yet to find the net in Pools colours though has had several opportunities, none better than at St James Park on Saturday.

Rakish Bingham teed him up with some good work in the box, but Oates was off-target.

It left Moore frustrated though he’s been pleased to see his summer signing, from Barnsley, starting to find his feet in the division.

“Bings has set him up and how he missed it I don’t know,” said Moore.

“We had a lot of good performances and Rhys was a big one for me, they could not handle him and he’s developing into a really good player.”

Oates will be a key man for Saturday’s match against Cambridge United at Victoria Park.

For all they are finding the net, the U’s are shipping goals at the other end – only six clubs have conceded more – which will give Pools cause for optimism.a