NOBBY Solano is sampling a new experience today - the first round of the FA Cup. The Peruvian hadn't been in England long when his Newcastle United side made the 1999 final.

They lost to Manchester United that day and this afternoon he lines up at the opposite end of the spectrum, as Hartlepool United meet Stevenage at Victoria Park.

Solano has not played since hobbling off with a hamstring strain in the loss at Notts County last month but, after returning to training, he is ready to take up his right wing spot again.

In his absence, Pools have been unable to get their form back to the level it was in September. Solano was injured in Pools' second defeat of the season and they went on to lose another four in October before stopping the rot last weekend at Orient with a positive performance in earning a point.

"I feel good, I'm glad to be back again,'' he said. "There's been frustration with being out the team for a few weeks, but I'm ready to push, ready to find the form again and bring it to the team.

"I was playing well when I got injured, it was annoying, but you never know with hamstring problems especially when you get older.

"But the good thing is that I'm fit and it's a long season, there's a lot of football still to come and I hope to be able to play.''

Pools have lost their last four home games and Solano admitted: "At home we have been poor and we need to get back to being strong and confident.

It's important for the lads and the competition is important for the lads and every footballer, in the top division or the lower division.

"It's always special and this is the first time I've played in this round of the competition. Premier League clubs come in at the third round, so this is new for me.

"It's one to enjoy and hopefully we get a good result and make the next round.

"I've good memories of the competition, always knocking on the door to get into the final.

"It's a great competition to play and the lads know that. Hopefully we can make the next round and get on TV - and make a better performance than last time we were on TV!

"It's a nice experience the FA Cup. I've played in the semi-final for Newcastle against Chelsea when Mick was assistant manager. We all know how the fans enjoy it and make the most of the competition.

"We know that stage is a long, long way. We think of Stevenage first, and it won't be easy, and we go slowly. We would like to play a Premier League team or a Championship team later in the competition, but there is a long way to go and a difficult first game to come yet.

"Hopefully the dream will come true for us.''

Wadsworth, likely to put Gary Liddle in central midfield today in the absence of the suspended Paul Murray, added: "Nobby makes a big difference, he's a great talent. Any team would miss a talented player and we've missed him home and away.

"If Nobby's available he'll certainly be a welcome addition to the squad, there's no doubt about that.''

And, on the back of a winless run at home since Pools saw off Bury on September 17, he said: "We need a win. Sometimes I say the performance is more important than the result but on this occasion I think the result is more important than the performance because we've had a poor home record, particularly through October and we need to show the fans we're not a poor team at home.

"It's absolutely vital because I think our away form, other than Charlton, is probably the best in the league. It shows we've got something but we must get over these poor performances on Saturday.''

Admission today is reduced to £10 adults and £5 concessions. Pools will be wearing specially commissioned shirts with a poppy emblem which will be sold off for charity and £1 will be donated from each sale of today's programme to the Poppy Appeal.