HARTLEPOOL United's Paul Arnison could be handed his first start of the season against Scunthorpe United tomorrow.

And if manager Chris Turner does give Arnison the chance to impress, the right-sided defender is determined not to let his boss down.

It has been a frustrating time for the 23-year-old who has lost out to summer signing Jon Bass for the first five matches of the season.

But a foot injury to Bass, sustained in the 2-0 defeat to Leyton Orient, has meant that Arnison is likely to find himself back in Third Division action - from the whistle. And the former Newcastle United professional, said: "I have had to be patient and hopefully it will be my time on Saturday.

"If I do start the game then I am trying to make sure that I do not give my place up again. I came on as a second half substitute at Orient and I thought I played reasonably well.

"I have been doing ok for the reserves as well so now I'm hoping to do the same for the first team."

Arnison's only appearance as substitute at Brisbane Road was when he replaced Bass who had taken a knock, and the latter trained yesterday for the first time since that incident.

And the ex-Birmingham City defender is likely to join skipper Michael Barron and Chris Westwood on the injured list.

That means Turner is likely to change his wing-back system, which has proved so successful over the past two seasons, to an orthodox flat back four.

Arnison believes that they can soon adjust, and he said: "We have tested it out against Middlesbrough and Billingham and all the lads seem comfortable playing in that way."

Midfielder Darrell Clarke and left-wing back Mark Robinson are also likely to be drafted in to the side by Turner.

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