DARREN Craddock admits he's in an unenviable position at Hartlepool United.

The defender, recently turned 20, is back in the Pool side after spending most of this season on the sidelines.

Ahead of today's game at play-off rivals Bradford City, the right-back, who will make his 20th appearance, has finally edged ahead of his more experienced rivals.

With Jack Ross and skipper Micky Barron sharing the right-back role for the majority of the season, Craddock has played most of his football in the reserves.

But with Ross injured and Barron suffering an horrendous season on the injury front, Craddock's patience has paid off.

After a brief substitute outing at Hull, last Saturday Craddock made his first League One start since last September as Pool went down to Tranmere at Victoria Park - a fourth successive defeat.

Newton Aycliffe-based Craddock said: "I was pleased with the way I played last week, I thought I did alright. It was nice to get a game.

"It's not easy because I've got Jack Ross and Micky Barron playing at right-back as well.

"All I can do is keep plugging away in the reserves and hopefully take my chance now it has come along.

"I think I have deserved my chance because I have waited a long time for it.

"It's been a difficult season for me. I played a lot of games towards the end of last season but not so many this time.

"But it's part of the learning curve for me and it's good to have players like Jack and Micky to learn from.

"Watching games, you always take pointers from players in your position and I'm fortunate to learn from people like that. They are probably the best right-backs in the league and they are both at our club and both playing in my position!

"I am comfortable going forward with the ball and I'd like to think I bring another option to the team.''

The current run of four defeats is Pool's worst since a string of five defeats on the trot in 1998.

And Craddock knows there is no let up as Pool face Bradford this afternoon.

Playing at Valley Parade for the first-team is a reward for his efforts in Martin Scott's reserve side this season and he admitted: "We've got another tricky game coming up at Bradford. They are another big club and I can only hope I am playing there as well.

"The good thing about this club is you get a chance. To be fair to the gaffer, although I haven't played much this season, you will get a chance if you are good enough, no matter how old you are.

"If you are playing well, then it will come.

"John Brackstone and Matty Robson have been in a similar position to me - they've played games last season and have sat out games this season as well.

"It's about biding your time - keep working hard and you will get your chance in the end.''

Ross is expected back in training on Monday after suffering ankle ligament damage three weeks ago.

Chris Westwood, Mark Tinkler and Hugh Robertson are expected back in the side this afternoon, when Craddock is hoping for a turnaround in fortunes.

"I know a few of the lads have said it but we are just getting no luck at the moment,'' he said.

"We were chasing the game in the second-half against Tranmere after they scored from their only shot.

"Maybe we used up all the luck earlier in the season, they say things balance out over a season. Maybe one bounce of the ball can get us going again and turn our season around.

"The team was a bit down in the dressing room after last week, there was a disappointment about the result, not the performance.

"Hopefully things will get back on track soon.

"We've a good enough side here. Tranmere are above us and we gave them a real good test last week and we did the same to Hull the game before.

"We know what we are capable of. We are as good as anybody else in this division.''

l Striker Adam Boyd is a doubt for today's game. He suffered injuries and needed hospital treatment after being the victim of an alleged assault in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

"He's been unable to join in training this week and has a few cuts and bruises," said Martin Scott. "But he was due to join in training on Friday. We will have a good chat with him and hopefully get him right for Saturday."