CHRIS Turner's return to Hartlepool United will be a low key affair this afternoon.

Turner's Sheffield Wednesday side visit Victoria Park, as part of the arrangement when the Pool boss left Victoria Park last November to take control of his boyhood favourites.

But with the teams meeting in Division Two next season and Pool going to Hillsborough in the first week of the season after being paired together in the Carling Cup, today's encounter will be a largely reserve one.

Both teams had practice games yesterday, when strong teams were fielded and boss Neale Cooper said: "I felt that because Chris wasn't sending a first team squad, then we wouldn't be fielding a full strength side.

"That meant that some of the lads would be missing out on a weekend of football so we arranged the match with Leeds.

"This game will be a good opportunity for us to field a team which includes boys who maybe haven't played as much as they would have liked.''

Pool went down 4-3 to Leeds yesterday, while Wednesday drew 2-2 with Huddersfield.

Leeds were two-up against Pool after four minutes. Darrell Clarke scored before Leeds went 4-1 in front.

Eifion Williams netted and Paul Robinson's second goal of the week reduced the deficit.

On trial defender Richard Hope played and Cooper was speaking to his agent last night in the hope of tying up a deal.

The Pool boss is also keen on trialist Robinson and the former Newcastle striker is homing in on a contract after two goals in as many practice games against Sunderland and Leeds this week.

New signings Marco Gabbiadini and Micky Nelson won't be involved today, but Cooper will take the chance to look at former Newcastle juniors Pedro Dimas and Chris Moore and Mart Razputin from Burnley.

Turner enjoyed three successful years at Pool and said: "They are a good footballing team, disciplined and enthusiastic.

"They've got good players; people such as Ritchie Humphreys, Mark Tinkler and Chris Westwood, and a good front two."

Wednesday will today include on trial former Man City winger Terry Cooke. The Owls visited Pool for a pre-season friendly in 1999 and lost 4-1 after playing a young side which included Ritchie Humphreys.

Former Pool favourites Graeme Lee, Paul Smith and Gordon Watson won't play - Watson was on target in yesterday's 2-2 draw as he looks set for a Hillsborough contract.

* Pool's friendly at Billingham Town next Tuesday will kick-off at 6.45. Cooper will send a strong side as part of the agreement which sees Pool play their reserve games at Bedford Terrace.

* Paul Stephenson's youth team will meet Celtic in the final of the SAGE tournament tomorrow after a 4-0 win over Derby County.

Read more about Hartlepool here.