MARTIN Scott will decide this morning if Adam Boyd is fit to step up his long-awaited comeback, writes Nick Loughlin.

The Hartlepool United striker, with 29 goals to his name last season, has not kicked a ball since September, when he damaged knee ligaments.

But after returning to training with the first team, Boyd could have a run out in this afternoon's reserve game at Hull.

Joel Porter made a scoring comeback from knee trouble for Steve Agnew's side last week and Scott said: "We'll keep an eye on him during training and see what he is like in the morning and decide whether he is fit to travel with the reserves.

"He's a key player for us and we want him to be back as soon as possible but we won't be putting him under too much pressure."

If Porter gets some more match practice under his belt, he could earn a place in the squad for the important game with Blackpool at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Meanwhile, defender Gerard Nash, on loan from Ipswich, is in line for international recognition. After being capped by the Republic of Ireland at all levels from under 14, he is set to be called into the under-21 set-up. The Irish youngsters are playing a four-team tournament in Madeira next month.

Read more about Hartlepool here.