ROB JONES and Matthew Bates are both back in training with Hartlepool United - but Saturday's game at Barnet may be too soon for the pair.

Bates (bone bruising) has not played since August 20, while Jones (hip) has been sidelined since the win at Yeovil on September 10.

Their experience has been sorely missed in the back four and boss Craig Hignett admitted: "They are training. Both have missed a lot of football but they are back.

"Rob has trained with us so he is slightly closer, but we will have to wait and see.''

Hignett will wait and see if the pair come throguh training today and tomorrow before deciding if they will travel.

Jones made an impressive debut at Barnet last season as Pools won 3-1, a victory which started a seven-game unbeaten run.

Hignett recalled: "We have good memories. We played well there last time.
We went a goal behind then came back to win 3-1. It set us on the little run where we went seven on the bounce.
"Sometimes  in football you have grounds where you do well. Hopefully Barnet is that for us.''

The sides are level on points in League Two and the Pools boss said: "It will be a good game but a  different one to what we have been used to.

"They have got a  certain way of playing, but we are good enough. We can hurt teams.''