HARTLEPOOL United's pre-season programme winds down tonight - but Tommy Widdrington's comeback moves on another level.

After brief outings against Barnsley and Scarborough in the last week, influential Widdrington is in line for a longer run out at Billingham Town.

Boss Chris Turner will field a mixture of reserves and youth teamers tonight, with Saturday's trip to Carlisle in mind.

Widdrington has suffered from back and hamstring trouble since breaking down against Scunthorpe in January.

And after a five-week stint at Lilleshall to try and overcome the problems and a taste of pre-season action behind him, Widdrington is raring to go.

"I feel fit physically, it's just match fitness I need now,'' he said. "And I can only get that from playing more games.

"Last week against Barnsley was the first real match situation I've been in for a while and it was good to be involved again. The manager said some nice things about me afterwards which was good to hear.

"And I got a good reception from the fans. I got a bit of a bad reception last season, but it's nice to be appreciated now.

"Now for the first time in ages I feel part of things again. I am like a kid with a new toy in training, all the lads have been telling me to calm down, but I am so hungry.''

And Widdrington has vowed to do everything he can to make himself available for Turner. "I will try to play as many minutes as I can to get myself physically match-fit,'' he said. "I am happy to play in the reserves and the youth team if that is what it takes."

"At Lilleshall it's a nine to five thing and I could do everything fitness wise, it's just matches I need. It was so frustrating for me.

"But now I have told the gaffer I can work in the gym from now until Christmas, but it will make no difference unless I get games under my belt."

Read more about Hartlepool here.