MICK WADSWORTH has welcomed a weekend off for his Hartlepool United players.

After Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Notts County, Pools are not in action until they go to Oldham next Tuesday.

Amid a busy schedule, the free weekend, due to Huddersfield’s continued FA Cup involvement, gives the coach and his players the chance to recharge their batteries.

He is planning a trip abroad to watch a couple of games, while midfielder Gary Liddle, will be given the chance to recover from the head injury that forced him off at half-time in midweek.

“Gary was groggy, concussed and we were worried about him – I have to go with the decision of the medical staff and losing him was a big factor as they started to win more loose balls,’’ said Wadsworth.

“I thought he did well, in a sense he is back on form as he played well and got a goal, I was pleased with him but disappointed we lost him.

“And we are looking a bit weary. We knew this month was a weary one, no doubt about it. Fitness work is good in terms of measurements, we do things right. But sometimes it’s a mental tiredness and that confidence is sapped when we aren’t at the top of our game.”

Ryan Donaldson, on loan from Newcastle, was given an instant debut against Notts County, but Wadsworth hinted that could be it as far as transfers go.

“At the moment that’s it, but we are following a couple of leads,’’ he said. “With games like they are and with reserve games coming up again it’s hard to get to as many games as I usually do - I’m an avid watcher and like to see the young players to see how they are developing.

“It’s a weekend off for the players, I may go abroad and watch a couple of games. I’m just waiting for calls to finalise things and see what happens.’’ Denis Behan’s loan return to Cork City is off after the clubs were unable to agree on a percentage of wages to be paid by each party.

Adam Boyd and Michael Mackay scored for Pools reserves last night, but a late goal from Cameron Park earned Middlesbrough a 2-2 draw at Victoria Park.

Fabian Yantorno’s freekick was spilled by Conor Ripley for Boyd to net, before Mackay tapped in.

But Boro dominated the second half and reduced the gap when Jonathon Grounds headed in.

Park curled past Scott Flinders from distance at the death to earn a draw.