CONFIDENT skipper Michael Barron insists Hartlepool United are relishing the battle to stay top of the Third Division.

Pool have played two games - against Carlisle and Boston - and they are the only team in the League with maximum points.

But instead of shaking at the thought of trying to keep Pool at the pinnacle, Barron is convinced he will thrive on the job in hand.

The 27-year-old said: "I don't think or feel any pressure because we deserve to be where we are after two games.

"It's not a pressure, it's more enjoyable than anything else.

"We are a great set of lads here and we are not the type to get despondent if things don't go our way.

"We have just got to keep up the form we have started with and we are focused on finishing in the top three."

Pool, who entertain Macclesfield at Victoria Park tomorrow, have left-winger Paul Smith back in contention after recovering from knee trouble.

Ritchie Humphreys has filled the void on that flank impressively so far and Barron believes there is a lot more to come from the ex-Sheffield Wednesday man.

The captain said: "Ritchie is doing brilliantly out there and he says he prefers to play in the middle because he gets involved more.

"He just wants the ball all of the time and he thinks he sees it more when he is inside.

"But when players are injured it gives other players the chance to break into the team.

"And that's what has happened, so it just shows how strong a squad we have got here now."

* Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is weighing up a bid for out-of-favour Ipswich striker Marcus Stewart.

The 29-year-old could be available at a reduced fee as Ipswich look to cut back following their relegation from the Premiership.

However, Redknapp will have to persuade Stewart, who still has two years left on his contract, to take a pay cut in exchange for regular first-team football.

''I'd like another striker and Marcus Stewart would be perfect. He wouldn't cost a fortune and would take us where we want to go,'' said Redknapp.

''He's not in the team at the moment and Ipswich would like to reduce their wage bill.

''I'm sure they wouldn't want a massive amount - there's no market at the moment for transfer fees, so we'll see how that develops."

Read more about Hartlepool here.