HUGH Robertson's haul back from injury has been a fraught one. The Hartlepool United left back has been out of action since August with a foot injury, but made his return for the club's reserve side yesterday.

He played an hour of the 3-0 defeat to Hull, but admits a place in the side for Saturday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday is out of the question.

Robertson has become a firm Victoria Park favourite since his move from Ross County in January. But there were serious fears for his future after being unable to find a cure to a niggling foot injury.

"My foot felt alright out there,'' he said, after Pool's second string were knocked out of the Pontins Holidays League Cup.

"I had an hour's run out, which was the plan, and it's good to be back.

"I only trained with a ball and the rest of the lads on Monday and Tuesday, so I was feeling a bit stiff after the game and I'm sure it will be worse in the morning!

"It's been very hard for me. It seemed to take ages and ages, we were trying different things every week.

"I went to see a specialist in Wales for a solution, but no-one had any idea what it was.

"I had rest, then an injection, more injections and an operation. It still wouldn't clear up and I started panicking a bit.''

And the 29-year-old, who played under Pool boss Neale Cooper at Ross County, confessed: "There was a fear that I wouldn't make it back. It was about three weeks after having a complete rest and it still wasn't getting any better.

"Then the operation came and I was still getting some pain there - I really didn't know what it was.

"There was no incident which started it off. I was feeling a bit of soreness and I had a bone scan which showed up a few hot spots, but we couldn't put it down to anything, which was worrying.

"I'm not a great spectator. I'm not very good at watching games, so that's made it all even harder. I just want to be out there playing.

"Now I've just got to hope it's all over.''

Robertson played an important part in Pool's run to the play-offs last season, with his free-kicks from distance a menace to the opposition.

This campaign started with two goals in his first two games against Bradford and Tranmere before being subdued by injury.

Pool sit in the upper echelons of the table and replacement Matty Robson impressed in last Saturday's FA Cup stroll over Lincoln.

And Robertson admitted: "The season started well for me because I scored two goals and now this has set me right back - I've been out something like 12 weeks.

"My last game was Swindon - that wasn't the best of games for us - but I probably shouldn't have played then because I could feel it.

"I've done all the running I can do in the last few weeks, now it's about playing again.

"I was a bit wary on Monday because it was the first time I had kicked a ball and didn't know if I would feel it or not.

"But there were no problems, which was a big relief.

"I've had Darrell (Clarke) with me and he's helped me along because he is such a bubbly character.

"You can do all the running you want, but the next step is important.

"Saturday will be too soon for me. I've only played an hour of football in three months, so I need some more reserve games.

"Hopefully I will get 90 minutes next week.''

Pool assistant manager Martin Scott will field Robertson in next week's reserve game with Preston and is looking forward to seeing hin back in the first-team again.

Scott said: "He is a favourite with the fans - we all know what he is capable of doing with a free-kick, he is a big threat to the opposition, so everyone is pleased to see him coming back.

The gaffer obviously knew all about him, and he has done so well since he came here.''

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