HARTLEPOOL United's walking wounded have been given a clean bill of health ahead of tomorrow's game with Southend.

Pool are back at Victoria Park following three games on the road and boss Chris Turner is delighted influential trio Micky Barron, Chris Westwood and Mark Tinkler will be ready to continue.

The three picked up knocks in Tuesday's 1-1 derby draw at Darlington, but Turner said: "Micky and Westy have been training OK. We thought they might have groin trouble, but they are fit.

"Tinks' hamstring was a bit tight on Tuesday, but he will train on Friday and they'll all play against Southend.''

Tomorrow's game is too soon for Gordon Watson, but the leading scorer with 13 goals will be ready for the trip to Kidderminster a week tomorrow.

He had keyhole knee surgery 13 days ago and Turner said: "He's been training all week with us without any reaction and it will be good to see him back.

"He has been playing well since we signed him. Without him, we have been like we were at the start of the season - playing well and getting on top of teams without finishing them off.

"There's no doubt he has that little bit of quality that can make all the difference.''

And Turner belives having a character like Watson at the club, coupled with the experience of playing in big games such as Tuesday's encounter, will stand his younger players in good stead for the future.

Mark Robinson has been a regular at left-back this season, while Adam Boyd and Jermaine Easter have both made big impressions in recent weeks.

"Mark has been superb for us and he was again at Darlington,'' said Turner. "Adam is a good, young player and games like the Darlington one are great experience for them all.

"They are growing in stature all the time. This was their first derby game and it's good for them to play in a game like that. They are both good players with lots of ability and it looks good for the future.''

Turner restored Ritchie Humphreys to the forward line on Tuesday after a spell in midfield and he will stay up front tomorrow.

Turner rested Kevin Henderson on Tuesday after he played three games in a week on his comeback from injury and the Pool boss said: "Kevin's been out for three months and he's played a lot of games in a week.

"His touch is not quite there yet, but when you have been out for so long, it's understandable.

"Ritchie always works hard up front and can always bring other people into play.''

Midfielder Darrell Clarke is pressing for a recall tomorrow at the expense of Paul Stephenson.

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