LEE Hughes, the former Premiership striker recently freed from jail, could make his football return tomorrow at Hartlepool United.

Oldham Athletic this week signed the one-time £5m following his release from a three-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

After meeting his new team-mates this week before a press conference in which he expressed his remorse and regret at his actions, Hughes could be pitched in for a quick debut.

"The decision is down to me,'' said Latics boss John Sheridan. "He's available for Saturday but whether he will play I do not know.

"We'll get him ready as soon as we can, but Saturday might be a bit too early. I will have a good look at Lee. I know he is really up for a game but I don't know what level he's at.

"Lee's goalscoring record is second to none. Obviously he has a lot to prove, but I'll have a look at him and if he looks sharp in training, you never know."

Pools are likely to be without Willie Boland tomorrow, after he suffered a hamstring strain in the Carling Cup loss at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

He could be replaced by Antony Sweeney, who has recovered from the illness which forced him out of the squad in midweek.

Pools boss Danny Wilson also has his three suspended players - Ali Gibb, Andy Monkhouse and Robbie Elliott - available.

Xavier Barrau's arrival completes Darlington's outfield team building and manager Dave Penney believes his signing will contribute to the already fierce competition for places.

He joined on Wednesday and Ipswich Town yesterday allowed defender Ian Miller to continue his loan at Quakers until January. It means Penney now has 28 professionals under his wing.

It is a situation he has been aiming towards since the end of last season during which time he has made 13 signings and means he has at least two players vying for each position.

However, he will not have quite so many available for tomorrow's trip to Macclesfield Town as Neil Austin (ankle), Clark Keltie (ankle), Patrick Collins (knee) remain sidelined.

Right-back Scott Wiseman, however, has recovered from his Achilles injury and played in Tuesday's reserve game, while midfielder is Ricky Ravenhill has overcome a hamstring strain.

He said: "We don't have to rush anyone back from injury because we've got a bigger and better squad. We're getting stronger. People like Keltie and Collins are on the their way back, Austin won't be long and Ravenhill is fit for Saturday.

"I like to have two players fighting for every position if I can. If one gets injured you've got a ready-made replacement, or if one is out of form or you lose one through suspension then we have a reserve lined up.''