NEIL Austin has already had a mini-break, so the Hartlepool United right back doesn't want the season to end.

Saturday's draw at Charlton was his second in a week, coming after he spent almost three months out with calf injury.

He was at his best at the weekend after a rusty return the previous week against Bournemouth.

Part of a familiar back five defensive unit, Austin gave little away.

“It’s good to be back out there with the boys again,'' he admitted.

“There were a lot of 50-50 challenges and I enjoyed it. For two teams with nothing really to play for it was a good game.

“It’s normally quite relaxed in those circumstances and is sometimes like a pre-season game.

“But I think both teams showed good commitment.''

Aftet starting in the 4-0 loss at Oldham in Februay, the right-back admitted he became a frustrated spectator during his enforced break.

“It’s been an absolute nightmare and the longest I’ve ever been out,'' he confessed.

“I feel for my fiancé and kids because I’ve not been in the best of moods.

“I’m not a very good watcher of the game so I was just delighted to get the last two games of the season.

“I’m going to enjoy the summer and come back firing on all cylinders next season.

“I got through it alright last week, despite the bandage on the head from an early knock – I had one of those on the last day last season as well.

“This time I felt a lot better than I did last week, though, and that was good having 90 minutes under my belt.

“I felt rusty last week and maybe a yard off the pace.

“I’m not quite there yet because three months out is a very long time and I’d only played 60 minutes in the reserves.

“I’m still not where I want to be.''

He added: I was disappointed to get injured in the first game after all of the work of pre-season.

“I missed six or seven games then which was frustrating so I just want to put the season behind me now and look forward to next year.

“I can’t wait for next season and we’ve got a lot to look forward to.''