HIGH-FLYING Hartlepool United chief Chris Turner last night saluted skipper Micky Barron as he sets his sights on a promotion place.

A stunning run of 27 points from a possible 33 has lifted Pool to fourth place in Division Three, just two points behind third-placed Cardiff.

That run has coincided with Barron's return from injury and as Pool prepare for this afternoon's trip to Macclesfield, Turner - who was awarded the Division's manager of the month award for January - said a big thank-you to his ever-consistent skipper.

Barron was out of action until November after struggling to shake off a knee injury picked up in pre-season and Turner said: "Micky is a major influence on the team and it's no coincidence that this run has come after he returned.

"He is someone the rest of the lads look up to and respect. At the start of the season we missed him and were scratching around for a team. Now we have everyone fit and available, look at the results.

"Micky has improved as a player in the last two years - but he is not the only one. Look at Tommy Miller, Paul Stephenson and Graeme Lee as well.

"They have all become better players over that period of time and we are getting a squad together that if doesn't make it this season then certainly will be among the front-runners next time.

"At the start of the season we were without Micky, Ian Clark, Gary Strodder and Graeme Lee who hasn't kicked a ball this season."

"We had new players in as well, James Sharp was new to the club and professional game and now look where he is.

"We were all over the place and couldn't pick the same team two games running. We were struggling sometimes to get 16 fit players.

"But I know we have an excellent squad of players and a great bunch of lads. We have players who can play at a higher level who all work so hard for each other.''

Turner added: "It's excellent to be fourth - at the moment there are only three teams in this division better than us and they are good teams at that. It's nice to be involved and thinking about the top three rather than looking to make a move on the play-offs.

"We have had two games in a week and took six points that have helped and now we have three games in the next seven days and we have to be thinking about aiming for nine points. Three points for a win allows you to do that.

"There is a lot of work to be done here, I haven't got my head in the clouds thinking about promotion and Macclesfield will be tough.''

But Turner still feels he has to convince the Victoria Park doubters.

Attendances have steadily grown as results have improved and the Pool boss admitted: "This season's run has proved that last season was no fluke. But you just feel that there are some people out there waiting for the bubble to burst.

"We took over 500 people to Barnet last month and more to Carlisle this week. I have always felt that we have been playing well away from home, but not getting the end product.

"I smell that the support is starting to come back with real optimism. The team is playing entertaining football and we are not just entertaining people, but scoring a lot of goals as well - we are putting the smiles back on people's faces.''

Turner is likely to start Darren Knowles in place of Paul Arnison on the right side.

Knowles was replaced by Lee Fitzpatrick in Tuesday's win at Carlisle and the former Blackburn midfielder netted a spectacular strike to pull Pool level at 2-2 before Sam Shilton's winner.

He said: "Me and Colin (West) have been thinking about this one and feel that away from home it is better to start with a more defensive player and Fitz is the sort of player who can come on and change a game after his arrival.

"Macclesfield are a decent footballing side and it should be an open and entertaining game.''

Turner fielded former Norwich and Rotherham defender Andy Brownrigg in Wednesday's reserve game and could take another look at him next week.

l Tickets are now on sale to non season ticket holders for the derby at Darlington on March 10.