PAUL Smith will be kept under wraps by Hartlepool United boss Chris Turner in the coming weeks.

Left-winger Smith made a brief return to action on Saturday, coming on as a substitute during the 2-1 home defeat to Rushden and Diamonds.

And even though the former Burnley man is back in contention after a month out following a knee operation to correct damage sustained during Pool's pre-season tour of Holland, Turner won't rush him back.

Ritchie Humphreys has filled in on the left-wing in recent weeks and Turner said: "It's going to take a while for him to get back to match fitness.

"We don't have to rush him back, but he does give us a bit more attacking influence.

"He came on on Saturday and put one or two decent balls into the area and we all know what he is capable of.''

Smith added: "I've had no reaction and no pain. I felt good after the game and now I want a full week's training and take it from there.

"I was always being a little bit cautious when I said I would be out at least four weeks, but I came through training OK last week and worked hard for two days with the fitness coach.

"Gordon Watson should be back fit soon as well which is great news for the club.

"Saturday was a bad result for us and in the end we were left chasing the game.''

Smith is likely to stay on the bench as Pool go to Shrewsbury on Saturday and then visit Bournemouth a week on Sunday in a live game on Sky Sports.

He could start tomorrow's reserve game at home to Scarborough at Seaham Red Star, but Watson is on course for a return in six weeks after having his pot replaced by a light cast on his broken leg last Friday.

Pool could find out in the next 48 hours what action they could face after Rushden keeper Billy Turley was hit by plastic bottles thrown by Pool fans in the Town End.

Referee Phil Dowd included the incident in his report which will arrive at FA headquarters this morning. FA chiefs will then decide what action - if any - will follow, but Pool are likely to face charges which could lead to a points deduction.

After being given a description of the alleged culprit, club officials spent yesterday scouring CCTV footage in the hope of identifying the individual.

"We are doing everything we can possibly do to catch whoever did it,'' said a club spokesman.

"When we catch the person or persons responsible we will take the strongest possible action.''

Chairman Ken Hodcroft said: "It's virtually impossible for our stewards to spot who threw the missile from such a packed crowd, but the people in the area must know.

"The vast majority of our fans are sensible, but it only takes one or two to cause us serious problems."

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