CHRIS Turner last night issued a show of support for the forgotten men of his Hartlepool United squad.

Turner handed James Sharp a rare place on the substitutes bench at Bury last Saturday - the big defender's first inclusion of the season - and gave teenager Anthony Sweeney a run out for the first time since the win over Boston on August 14. And Turner - who leads his League leaders into action against Rushden at Victoria Park tomorrow - indicated he is willing to give all his squad a chance.

"Anthony has been in and out of things this season.'' said Turner.

"We started the season with him and then took him out, but we needed someone in there at Bury who could give us some legs in midfield. He's been on the fringes but it's important we look after his development.

"It's important that players in the squad feel wanted. James was on the bench and Gordon Simms was in there the previous games. I could have put either one in and had no hesitation.

"We want to keep players involved and feel part of the squad. There's 16 players on duty every week which gives plenty of players an opportunity.''

Striker Adam Boyd, who has made the most of his opportunity after being called in to replace Gordon Watson is relishing the chance of adding to his two goal tally tomorrow.

"It's another important game for us,'' he said. "They are one of the best teams in the division, but they are struggling a little bit away from home. We beat them 5-1 at home last season and now we want to try and do the same to them again.

"It's nice to be able to look down on everyone else in the league and still be top - we have to stay there.''

* Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan says he is delighted with the way controversial defender Richard Dunne has adapted to a strict fitness regime.

The Republic of Ireland defender has been given a final chance after a serious breach of club discipline.

Dunne is doing double shifts, training morning and afternoon, in a bid to try and work his way back into the team.

''Richard doesn't figure playing-wise at the moment and he knows that. He is still a week or two away from that but he has done great,'' Keegan said. ''His training is good, his weight is down - though it has to come down some more.

''He will be back but I don't think it will be until after the next international weekend. He has some more fitness training to do.''

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