GORDON Watson's rehabilitation took a big step forward yesterday.

Ruled out for up to two months with a broken leg after suffering the injury a fortnight ago, the five-goal Hartlepool United striker has had the pot removed and replaced with a lighter cast.

And according to Pool boss Chris Turner, he is still on track for a return within eight weeks.

"It's a big boost for us - now he can start doing aerobic work,'' he said. "It's important there is no muscle wastage. Years ago he would have had a pot on for weeks, but now things are different.

"The light cast will help him no end. He will come back with a good level of fitness and will be back within eight weeks - not back training, but playing within that time.''

Turner, who also has Paul Smith on the verge of a return after knee surgery, has Rushden and Diamonds visiting Victoria Park today.

In Watson's absence, Adam Boyd has come in and taken over the goalscoring mantle and Turner said: "It's a big time for Adam.

"This is a good chance for him to get established. He's started a couple of games and scored in them. He's had to wait for his chance and is now making the most of it.

"He has taken his goals well and could actually have scored more.

"Adam has matured as a person in the last couple of years. I never had serious problems with him, it was always just little bits of professionalism at times. Possibly he didn't help himself.

"But we all know what ability he has - he is a clever footballer. He's learned a lot from Gordon Watson in the last year.

"They travel in the car to training together and will talk a lot. But if you can't learn from Gordon then you can't learn from anyone.

"They speak a hell of a lot and Flash points him in the right direction. There's never been any doubts about Adam's potential, now he is transferring it to the pitch.''

Pool beat Rushden - the bookies' pre-season title favourites - 5-1 at Victoria Park last season and Turner said: "They are a good team. They try to play football and let's hope it makes for an entertaining game.

"Our average gate is around 4,800 this season, which is fantastic and a big increase on last season. Three years ago we were getting 2,000. This is another big game for us and we are looking for another 5,000 crowd.''