WANTAWAY Hartlepool United defender Jack Ross is set for a swift return to Scotland.

Ross is to join First Division leaders Falkirk, after the clubs agreed a £20,000 fee.

He moved from Clyde on a free transfer during the summer, but asked for a return home in November after failing to settle in the North-East.

Pool were loathe to let him go and demanded a fee after the 28-year-old former Clyde skipper underwent knee surgery.

With Micky Barron injured, Ross feared he would have to wait until the summer transfer window for a return north of the border.

But regular right back Barron is poised for a first-team return against Bristol City a week tomorrow after recovering from knee surgery and coming through Wednesday's reserve game unscathed.

After 20 appearances for Pool, next Wednesday's FA Cup replay at Boston looks like being his last game in England.

Falkirk tried to sign Ross three times as his time at Clyde came to a close, with their final £30,000 offer rejected as derisory.

Gretna were also keen on signing Ross, but he would prefer a return to his Glasgow home.

Ross has been in impressive form in his last two games and is part of a back line that has not leaked a goal in four games.

The last time Pool conceded was against Oldham on Boxing Day and defender Chris Westwood said: "We're defending properly in our game now, whereas before we were a bit sloppy.

"There have been times where the whole team has been trying out things we shouldn't do.

"Teams are always going to get chances and we have to make sure that we limit them.

"We will fancy our own chances because we're always capable of nicking one. We stuck together against Bristol and Barnsley and it's important we take that into the Torquay game.''

Tomorrow's opponents Torquay have been hit by a flu virus at Plainmoor. Striker Leon Constantine and Tony Bedeau have recovered, but Craig Woodman, Lee Canoville and goalkeeper Olafur Gottskalkssdon are still suffering.

Boston have turned down an offer from a Championship club - believed to be Leicester - for leading scorer Andy Kirk, who 16 goals this season.

His double in Wednesday's win over Southend could be his last and he may depart York Street before next week's FA Cup tie.

"I honestly don't know how long I am going to keep him for,'' said boss Steve Evans.

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