KEVIN Henderson is hoping his play-off jinx hasn't struck again.

Twelve months after agonisingly missing out as Hartlepool United faced Darlington in the race to get out of the Third Division, Henderson is desperate to be involved as Pool face Blackpool tomorrow.

But the 18-goal front man is suffering from a groin strain picked up in the win at Kidderminster a fortnight ago.

He trained with his teammates at Victoria Park yesterday and after sitting out last week's win over Cardiff, he is itching for the chance to get back in the scoring groove.

"All I can do is train and see how it goes,'' he admitted. "Last season, two days before the game, my kidney stones needed operating on.

"It was bad enough missing out last year. It would be the worst feeling in the world to play 39 games and when it comes to the crunch missing out, but I can take heart from the fact that I have played my part in reaching the play-offs.''

As Henderson looked on last week, Craig Midgley and Anth Lormor forged a useful partnership in his absence and he admitted: "I thought they did well. I said to the gaffer when I spoke to him during the week that there is no problems playing those two.

"But I'm desperate to be involved. I'm big mates with Brian Reid, I was with him at Burnley - he kicked me all over the park when we played them - and I enjoy playing against Blackpool. Some teams you always seem to do well against and I've scored three times against them this season, so hopefully that's the case with me.''

Midgley is hoping for the chance to continue his forward partnership with Lormor that helped Pool to a 3-1 triumph seven days ago, but knows it depends on Henderson winning his fitness fight.

"The gaffer has a decision to make,'' said Midgley. "I thought we played well last week, but Hendo has got a lot of goals this season - we will just have to wait and see what happens.

"I had a good time playing with Anth last week, we played well together. But me and Hendo played our part in the 21-game unbeaten run. That was probably the best I have played in my career, but all the team was playing well then.

"Anth has come here and done well for us. It's great to have lads alongside you who you enjoy playing with - he created my goal last week.''

Midgley already has experience of dumping Blackpool out of the play-offs and he would love to repeat the feat. He was part of the Bradford squad that turned round a 2-0 first-leg deficit in the 1995 play-offs to win 3-2 at Bloomfield Road and ultimately go on to Wembley glory.

"We had a massive task that night to win 3-0 on their ground, but we did it and got to Wembley and were promoted as well.

"We've beaten them twice this season, but that counts for nothing. These games are like cup finals, it's what happens on the day. We are looking for a good result down there, we are not going there to sit back and defend.

"They've got some players coming back from injury and have a good squad, but you have to have a good squad to get into the play-offs.

"There'll be plenty fans going for the weekend and making a trip of it, we just hope they will all be smiling after the game.''

l Blackpool will have three players back from injury tomorrow. John Hills, Tommy Jaszczun and Phil Clarkson all missed last week's win at Darlington which secured a top-seven spot, while suspended Ian Hughes is also available.

Blackpool boss Steve McMahon is unfazed at having to go to Victoria Park on Wednesday.

He said: "A lot is made about which way is most favourable. But when you take into account our away record, going there second doesn't hold any fears.

"Our record was eight away wins and bettered only by three teams in the division, two of which went up automatically. There have been many cases in European competitions in recent years when home teams have come unstuck in second legs. Maybe there is a slight advantage being at home second but it doesn't always work out that way."

l Tomorrow's beam-back to Victoria Park is also being shown in the Victoria Lounge and the executive boxes - contact the club for details.