ANTH Lormor could be back at Hartlepool United next week.

The experienced goalscorer has been on loan at Shrewsbury for the last four weeks, netting twice in six starts as Kevin Ratcliffe's side maintained their top-seven spot.

With his loan spell ending after tomorrow's trip to Exeter, Ratcliffe admitted: "Tony's done an excellent job for us, he's been great. We'll wait until the weekend before making a decision.''

However, Pool boss Chris Turner is believed to be loath to extend the loan spell as the play-off chase hots up -and that could see Lormor back at Victoria Park.

"I think he'll return to us,'' said Turner. "They have had a look at him and now they know what he can do.''

Lormor has replaced injured striker Nigel Jemson to maintain Shrewsbury's play-off hopes and Turner refuted claims that the former Newcastle man has helped Ratcliffe's side into play-off contention.

"I don't think Tony has put them in the play-offs at our expense,'' he said. "They have been in the top places all season. He has scored a couple of goals, but he hasn't knocked us out of contention.''

In Lormor's absence, Turner has signed Torquay striker Eifion Williams for £30,000 and with the return to action of top scorer Gordon Watson chances have been rare for Lormor - whose contract is up at the end of the season - of late.

Turner added: "I have tried to help a good professional in letting him go to Shrewsbury. It has given him the opportunity to get a contract with them. Tony has done well for this club and he has been a great player and professional for us.

"He's been away for four weeks and if he comes back he has had four weeks' first team football and will be fitter and better for it.

"If he stayed here he would only have had probably one reserve game because we have a good number of strikers at the club.''

Pool go to Rochdale tomorrow knowing nothing less than a win will suffice to keep their play-off hopes alive after taking just two points from the last 12.

Skipper Micky Barron will be fit after a groin injury and striker Kevin Henderson is back in the squad after two goals for the reserves on Wednesday.

Barron said: "It's been more of a niggly strain really. I have had it for about a month now on and off, and with the games we have had it hasn't had a chance to settle down or get the proper treatment.

"Hopefully this week I have been able to rest it so everything should be OK.''

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