DARRELL Clarke is aiming for a Christmas comeback after finally recovering from a knee injury.

The Hartlepool United midfielder has not kicked a ball this season - two non-playing substitute appearances are all he managed before being forced out of action.

Now, after over four months on the sidelines, Clarke is stepping up his comeback.

A goal and a 90-minute performance for the reserves last week was followed by a full-scale practice match in training.

Pool are at Wrexham on Saturday and, while that game might come too soon, Clark could be involved as Pool face five games in 16 days.

"It's nice to be involved again,'' he said. "I think the gaffer might want me to play one or two more reserve games before anything else. I enjoyed the reserve game last week - I bossed it! Seriously, it was good to play and I scored as well.

"The whole season has been a nightmare for me. It's the worst injury I've ever had, so all I can look forward to is getting back to normal and playing games again.

"A few of us have been injured at one time or another, so we have helped each other along.

"John Murray (physio) has been a massive help to me. He's done really well to keep the reigns on me.''

Clark has been at Pool since 2001, when he moved for £70,000 from Mansfield.

He's been a regular since and admitted: "It's been a bit frustrating the last few weeks.

"There was no reaction to playing in the reserves last week. Now all I want to do is kick-start my season.''

Ben Clark should be fit for Saturday's trip to the Racecourse Ground. He has recovered from an ankle injury but is now suffering from a cold.

* Darlington manager David Hodgson will make a decision on Nice striker Franck Padovani by the end of the week.

The 19-year-old played in yesterday's behind-closed-doors friendly with Scottish First Division side, Queen of the South, at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Just hours after linking up with the Quakers squad for the first time after flying into the country on Tuesday night, Padovani, available on a season-long loan, featured for the full 90 minutes of the 3-1 defeat, showing some good touches without seeing many opportunities in front of goal.

Despite Tuesday's signing of striker Alun Armstrong until the end of the season, Hodgson is keen to bolster his attacking options and Padovani will be one player he will be seriously considering.

The Quakers boss also ran the rule over Norwegian winger Tore Hansen, who has returned to the club after spending last week on trial at League Two rivals, Macclesfield. Like Padovani, Hansen showed plenty of promise as a second-half substitute and his lively performance should warrant a second look.

Skipper Craig Liddle could return to action within four weeks. The defender is currently sidelined with a hernia and is due to undergo surgery.

Hodgson has no fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday's trip to Boston United, when victory could take fifth-placed Quakers up to third in League Two.