MARK Tinkler yesterday gave Hartlepool United an unexpected boost when he declared himself fit for tonight's trip to Rushden and Diamonds.

Pool make their first visit to Nene Park and were expected to be without the former Leeds and York midfielder after he hobbled off in last week's win over Carlisle.

But boss Chris Turner last night revealed: "He'll be OK for the game. He trained today and he seems to have made a miraculous recovery.

"Of course it's nice to be able to keep the same that won last week - I'd like to keep it for four or five weeks, but unfortunately we can't because of Kevin Henderson's sending-off last week.

"We kept the same team for a lot of the unbeaten run last year and it's nice to have some continuity.''

Last week's win over Carlisle was only Pool's second of the campaign and now Turner hopes his side can build on it and move away from the foot of the table.

"There's a bit less pressure around the place because we got that win last week,'' he said. "We deserved it and I think if we can play against Rushden like we did at Southend and Scunthorpe then we won't be far wrong and there's every chance we will get a result.''

Tinkler's return means Adam Boyd will have to settle for a place on the bench despite his impressive goalscoring display as a substitute last week. "Adam was excellent last week and he's pushing for a place,'' said Turner. "He's had to be patient and wait for his chance, but he will get it.''

Pool had Rushden watched in last week's draw at Darlington, but Brian Talbot's side have yet to make an impression on the division despite their high-profile promotion from the Conference during the summer.

"They were put among the favourites for promotion by the bookmakers because people thought that they would just go out and buy six or seven players for a fortune and bankroll their way through the League.

"But they are not going to do that. Instead they are weighing up the division and seeing what they have to do.''

Turner this week made a fresh approach to take Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle on loan, but the striker looks set to stay and fight for a place at the Stadium of Light.

"He's just one of many players I've asked about,'' said Turner. "I'm still looking and maybe someone will come in when Kevin Henderson is suspended.''

Turner, however, is delighted with the impact of new recruit Gordon Watson, who has bagged two in three games.

"He's a class centre-forward,'' he said. "He's on the move, he's concentrating, he's got good experience and he's a goalscorer. He's had four strike partners in three games, but whoever is there with him he talks to them and helps and guides them through the game.''

Rushden yesterday failed in a bid to sign Chesterfield striker David Reeves to replace suspended leading scorer Duane Darby.

Pool: Williams, Lee, Barron, Sharp, Bass, Widdrington, Stephenson, Tinkler, Robinson, Watson, Henderson. Subs: Hollund, Easter, Boyd, Humphreys, Arnison.

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