HARTLEPOOL UNITED striker Gordon Watson last night admitted he is no nearer to a first-team return.

Watson has been sidelined since the win over Darlington on September 14 after breaking a leg in a collision with Matt Clarke.

Watson initially forecast a December return, but has now been forced to rethink his plans.

Two goals for the reserves a fortnight ago against Darlington increased supporters' hopes that their ace striker shortly would be back in action, but Watson admitted: "I know that I'm not right and ready for the first team.''

Speaking on the club's website, Watson, who netted five times in eight games before the injury, added: "Things are not quite right with my leg.

"I felt all right when I played at Darlington for the reserves, but sometimes it's a case of one step forward and two steps back and that's exactly what I've done this week. The reserves have another game next week and we will take it from there.''

Watson played 90 minutes for the reserves on Wednesday and admitted: "The game at Boston was a help from a fitness point of view, but it also helped me know that I'm not there yet.

"I'm getting stronger all the time, but we don't have to rush it.

"The team is doing well without me, so at the moment there's no need to put someone in who isn't 100 per cent.''

Pool's youth team host Darlington at Victoria Park this afternoon, knowing a win would see them crowned North-East Youth Alliance champions.

Pool coach Martin Scott said: "There's a bit of banter going on between the teams. They train over the road from us, they are trying to get away form the bottom, we are trying to win it. It's very much a local derby, even at youth level. "

Admission is free for the game which kicks-off at 3pm.

Read more about Hartlepool here.