CLASSY defender Graeme Lee is ready to hand Hartlepool United a New Year boost. Boss Chris Turner had written the 22-year-old out of his plans this season after he underwent cruciate knee ligament surgery in early October.

Lee made only a brief appearance as a substitute at Mansfield on September 23 before breaking down in training the following week and going under the surgeon's knife.

But as Turner leads his charges to Chesterfield this afternoon to face the League leaders, Lee has an early return in his sights - and is looking at February as a possible comeback date.

"Everything is feeling really good,'' he admitted. "I've started running again and I am well ahead of schedule.

"I started running on the 18th, just to see how I felt, but I've got more and more confident. I was written off for the season, people said it was a six-month job.

"On Sunday it will be 12 weeks since the operation and I see the specialist on January 5, when I am supposed to get the go-ahead to start training again.

"Hopefully, I can be back in February or, if not, then definitely March. I've been told that there is no point in risking things if the lads have nothing to play for, but we are going for the play-offs again and I want to be there.

"Last season was brilliant for everyone. It was the first time we have not been battling at the bottom and instead have been at the top end of the table and we want to be there again.

"I think we can do it again because we are beating all the top teams and we are having a run like we were last year.''

Lee, whose father, Tony, is in charge of Bishop Auckland, has had a series of training partners as he continues his rehabilitation, but with the Victoria Park injury list fast clearing, is now working in tandem with broken-leg victim Thomas Tennebo.

"I think since John Murray (Pool physio) came to the club there's been problems with just about everyone,'' added Lee. "It's been one after another and now, it's not nice to say it, but I've still got someone to work with."

And Pool chief Turner is looking forward to the day he can select Lee in his line-up again.

Last season, Lee spent time in the forward line and netted seven times as he provided a solution to Turner's front-line worries and the Pool boss admitted: "Spike has made tremendous progress.

"He is a fit and strong lad and there's every chance he will play at some level in February, which will be great for everyone at the club.

After their Boxing Day game at Carlisle was frozen off, Pool could face further frustration today as Chesterfield's Saltergate pitch will undergo a 10am inspection.

Pool face the league leaders on the back of last Saturday's 6-1 hammering of Barnet at Victoria Park and Turner said: "That was an excellent performance and some of the finishing was first-class