JOE Gamble will make his Hartlepool United debut at the first available opportunity, when his new side takes on MK Dons at Victoria Park tomorrow.

The Irishman has been with the club almost two weeks, but the visit of Paul Ince’s side presents his first chance to play after last weekend’s trip to Charlton was frozen off.

Twice capped by the Republic of Ireland, Gamble will start in central midfield.

“Joe will start on Saturday and we will assess him as the game goes on. He hasn’t played competitively for a while, but he is a fit person and has trained well over a period of time on his own,’’ said boss Chris Turner.

“His fitness levels are as good as the rest, but we will see him during the game on Saturday. We will see if it’s 90 minutes.’’ Gamble’s former Cork City team-mate Denis Behan will be on the bench after recovering from an ankle injury suffered at the end of November.

“Denis needs a game, he will face Leeds reserves on Wednesday,’’ said Turner.

“He is training in the gym, working hard throughout his injury and the break will do him good as he hasn’t had a rest for 18 months.

“He will have his appetite back and hope when he comes back he is with the same energy he started our season.

“Another three weeks and James (Brown) will be back, we are getting stronger.’’ Pools have a tricky week ahead, with trips to Charlton on Tuesday and Bristol Rovers next Saturday.

Sam Collins and Gary Liddle are back in contention and only Brown remains on the sidelines.

“We have a good squad, with good options. Next week we can rest players when necessary,’’ said Turner.

“We have options and I look at the team and our midfield has not been competitive enough which puts pressure on the back four and goalkeeper.

“When we don’t defend well the back four look poor.

“Sam is back in training and we wait to see if there is a reaction after his Achilles problem.’’