NEALE Cooper believes Hartlepool United won't see the best of Hugh Robertson until the New Year.

The left back returned to the starting line-up in last Saturday's win over Stockport after over three months out with a foot injury.

Robertson's career was in doubt as the club tried to find a cure for the problem.

But after a lengthy period of rehabilitation, the Scot proved his worth by setting up two goals.

Cooper, however, feels it will take a few more games before Robertson hits the heights he reached last season after his move from Ross County.

"It's good to have Shuggy back in the side. I think he still needs a couple of 90-minute run-outs,'' said the manager.

"He's still not match fit, but the game will have done him good.

"He was disappointed with the Stockport goal and the manner in which he lost it, but he came back straightaway with a great ball for Westy to score.

"He looks confident on the ball, but I think the pace of the game caught him out a little bit at the start.

"Once he picked up the pace, he was OK. Look at the strength of that shot he caught which hit the defender. That was the Shuggy we know.''

Aberdeen, Gretna, St Johnstone and Falkirk are interested in defender Jack Ross.

The Scot has asked to go on the transfer list and return home after failing to settle in the North-East, but Pool are unlikely to let him leave until Micky Barron is fit to return.

Ross said: "I know a lot of people will be suspicious of my motives for wanting to leave but it's nothing more sinister than being unhappy.

"When I moved here in the summer I had high hopes, but it's not worked out the way I imagined.

"It's a great club with a good bunch of players.

"The fans have been excellent but my family will always come before football and hopefully I can go home soon.''

Barron will this week have a knee operation to cure cartilage trouble and discover the extent of ligament damage.

Cooper admitted: "We just hope it is only cartilage damage and nothing else.

"Losing Micky would be a huge blow, because he has already missed most of this season through injury.''

Pool chairman Ken Hodcroft won't allow Micky Nelson to leave the club.

Nelson asked for a transfer after a dispute over a new contract, but Hodcroft said: "If the club does not want to sell the player, for whatever reason, then that should be that. Hopefully Michael can now put all this behind him.''

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