HARTLEPOOL United's precarious position in the League One relegation spots doesn't mean their returning strikers will be flogged.

Adam Boyd and Joel Porter haven't played much football in a season ravaged by knee problems.

Despite their return to action, Pool have dropped into the drop zone and haven't scored away from home since January 28.

Boyd was below par in the home draw with Barnsley ten days ago and was on the bench for the weekend's trip to Southend.

Both Porter and strike partner Michael Proctor went close to breaking that away duck, and boss Paul Stephenson said: "Adam has played three games in eight days and he hasn't played a lot of games this season. I just felt that on Saturday we needed some legs up there in the forward line, some real movement.

"Joel (Porter) started again and he tired, which was expected because he hasn't played many games this season either, but he did very well.

"Like I said last week, these lads are back but they are not back 100 per cent. They have been out for a long time and have to be nursed back. We cannot flog them.''

He added: "We've got to look after them and look after their bodies to get the best out of them we can.

"Thomas Butler came back on Saturday and is a dangerous player. I wanted him, if I'm being honest, to get the ball higher up the pitch, where he could really cause problems going at them. It's a real bonus to have him back.''

Pool take on Oldham at Victoria Park on Friday and, after winning their two Friday home games this season, Stephenson is desperate for another win.

"We had a good spell on Saturday when if we had scored we were back in the game, but we didn't get a break in front of goal,'' he said. "Southend are certainties to go up and we matched them and had the better of the game for long periods.

"I am a very positive person and we were in for training on Monday with a smile. Now we move on to Friday and an important game.''

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