JOEL Porter and Hugh Robertson will today step up their comebacks from injury.

Between them the pair have played just one game for Hartlepool United this season, Robertson starting the game with Bournemouth on December 10.

But they will be joined by Michael Proctor in a Pool side which takes on Scottish Cup semi-finalists Gretna this afternoon.

The behind closed doors friendly has been arranged by Pool, as there is no reserve game this week.

None of the returning trio will be included in the squad for Saturday's trip to Scunthorpe, but their returns offer temporary boss Paul Stephenson more options for the run-in.

And Stephenson could soon be further boosted by the return of winger Thomas Butler. He damaged a hamstring in the draw at Swansea last month, but will return to training this week.

Pool have appointed James Haycock as the club's new physio. He was formerly with the Newcastle United Academy and worked for the Legends team at St James' Park in Sky One's The Match in the last two years.

Stephenson's only long-term injury victim is Gavin Strachan, who broke a leg in the defeat to Blackpool a month ago. He is no longer using crutches and should this week start his rehabilitation.

Skipper Micky Barron believes Pool's new-found spirit will go a long way to staving off relegation.

Pool are unbeaten under Stephenson in his four-game tenure to date and, with the arrival last week of former boss Chris Turner as the club's director of sport, he has been given a helping hand off the field.

Barron said: "We've a dozen or so games left now to stay up and it's turned full circle in a way with Chris coming back.

"We know we have to stay up and the way we have played recently have proved we want to do it.

"The league is so tight, you can jump six or seven places every week, but it's down to us. Win as many games as we can. I looked at the table last week and Yeovil were below us, a few weeks ago they were above us and it shows how tight it is.

"Blackpool were on a good run into the top half and are now back in it after losing a couple - it's going to go down to the wire and it's going to be tight, but hopefully we will be out of it by then.

"The players needed to draw a line under everything and move on. Now we all know what is happening, it puts an end to all the rumours and speculation. We all just want to concentrate on playing and training.

"It's a clean slate for all and everyone will get a chance to show what they can do.''

* James Walker, who spent a fruitless month on loan at Pool in January, has moved from Charlton to Luton.

* HUDSA are taking a coach to Scunthorpe on Saturday. Booking (£9 a seat) can be made by calling 0781 5192754.

* Darlington defender Ryan Valentine insists a season of personal achievement will provide scant consolation if Quakers fail to make the play-offs.

Now in his fourth season with the club, the 23-year-old has been arguably the most consistent performer in David Hodgson's side this campaign.

"Up until recently we were on an excellent run and it's important that we start another one," he said. "We've proved that we're good enough to be in the top seven and now we must show that out on the pitch."

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