CHRIS Turner looks to have drawn a blank in his search for new blood in time for tomorrow's derby with Darlington.

Pool entertain the Quakers in an all-ticket affair at Victoria Park and the Pool chief admitted: "It looks like it is a case of same again.

"I've watched a couple of games this week and to be honest there was nothing on show that was better than we already have or anyone who would have greatly improved the squad.

"I brought Steve Baker in from Middlesbrough last week and he made a difference against York and that is the sort of signing I want.

"There were a couple of lads in the reserves to look at as well, but they didn't look any better than what we have.''

Turner, however, will have Lee Fitzpatrick available again after he announced his return to fitness in Wednesday's reserve defeat to Macclesfield.

The former Blackburn midfielder has been out after being taken to hospital with a leg infection.

"He came through the reserves OK and he trained today without any adverse affect. It will be nice to have him back because he is a quality player who can score goals as well as run at people - he frightens defenders with his pace at this level.

"He might be one to have on the bench and come on to give a different option and perspective.

"He has not done a lot for the last two weeks, but will be in the squad.''

Skipper Micky Barron will train with the first-team squad at Durham this morning. He has not kicked a ball all season after suffering knee trouble.

"He will train in the morning and then see the specialist straight away in the afternoon,'' said Turner. "That means if anything comes up quickly or he has a reaction, he can get a fast response.''

Turner, meanwhile, was part of the panel on last night's Any Sporting Questions on BBC Radio Five Live alongside Middlesbrough youth team coach Mark Proctor, racing pundit John McCririck and Durham's director of cricket Geoff Cook.

And the Pool boss admitted he fears for the future of young players in the English game following the influx of foreigners to the game.

He said: "At Hartlepool we have to bring young players through the youth system and we are setting plans out for the future.

"For me there are far too many foreign players playing in the Premier League and not everyone is better than some of the home-grown players.

"As soon as a manager wants a new player he looks abroad. Some of those signings spend 12 months here and then move on with a lot of money in their pocket."

l Pool fans have until 5pm tonight to buy a ticket - none will be on sale tomorrow