BEN Clark yesterday came through his comeback game for Hartlepool United - and that could mean a quicker exit for defender Micky Nelson.

The central defender wants out of Victoria Park following a dispute with his agent and the club over an improved contract.

Pool chairman Ken Hodcroft last week flatly rejected Hull City's £100,000 offer but, with the return of Clark after hamstring trouble, Nelson may now be allowed to leave.

Hull boss Peter Taylor revealed yesterday he won't be upping his offer, refusing to pay "silly money" for a defender he sees as boosting his side's automatic promotion push. He has other targets in mind, including Sheffield Wednesday's out-of-favour former Pool defender Graeme Lee.

But it is believed another club has an interest in Nelson and could be ready to make a firm offer before the weekend.

Pool boss Neale Cooper, who now has Jack Ross alongside Nelson on the transfer list after the former Clyde skipper asked for a move because he is unable to settle in the North-East, wants the situation cleared up.

Ross was a surpise inclusion on the bench in Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy defeat at Oldham.

Pool are looking for a fee for the right back, but he will have to wait until the transfer window opens in January before he can return north of the border just six months after moving.

Cooper explained: "Jack wasn't going to travel with us, but we called him up.

"Something might have happened with Micky Nelson, nothing nasty or wrong, but I had a call about something and wondered if he was right mentally to play.

"So far there has been no decision made on Micky's future.

"Jack was training in the morning, so we took him off the training ground and got him on the bus.

"It is hard for Nelse at the moment. It must be difficult for him mentally because there has been so much going on.

"He is wondering if each game is going to be his last here, but credit to him that he has kept going. Whatever happens, something needs to be sorted out.''

Clark and Hugh Robertson both made successful returns and the former Sunderland man is likely to line up against Aldershot in the FA Cup at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Robertson may have to settle for a place on the bench after being out of action with a foot injury since Friday, but Clark, providing there is no reaction to the hamstring injury that forced him out of the last three games, will be back in the squad.

Ross scored a late goal against Sheffield Wednesday's second string yesterday, but Pool were already trailing to two goals from Matt Hamshaw. The Owls included Lee in their side.

Pool striker Eifion Williams is still on the sidelines after being troubled by a groin injury.

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