RONNIE Moore is hoping his front-line leader will be back in action tomorrow.

Hartlepool United take on Cambridge at Victoria Park and striker and captain Billy Paynter should return after sitting out last weekend’s game at Exeter.

Paynter has been troubled by a hamstring strain for three weeks, after feeling it during the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game with Sheffield United.

He played the next two games, against Carlisle and Wycombe, but was forced off during the latter game.

Moore said: "We are just going to wait and see. We've given him that break and Billy is going to train this morning.

"He is saying the right things and wants to play, but we can't be carrying anybody.

"We need to make sure we have 11 lads who are fit and raring to go.

"We'll probably leave that one to the very last minute."

Rakish Bingham took the central striking spot in last weekend’s defeat, missing a second-half penalty with the score at 0-0.

Paynter offers more of a presence up front, compared to Bingham’s pace and mobility and Moore admitted: "We missed his hold-up play.

"Bings was up there, but he's still young-ish and still learning how to play up there on his own.

"He's more your second striker who wants to play on the shoulder.

"If I have any criticism of Bings then it would be that part of the play, the ball came back a little bit too easy

"We gave it away a bit, it was a little sloppy.

"Billy gives us that hold-up and it allows the midfielders to go beyond and support.

"If we did miss anything at Exeter, it was that, and his goal threat."

Pools have been playing 4-3-3 all season, with Rhys Oates taking a spot on the right side of the three of late, a position for which he’s attracted praise.

Scott Fenwick started the season in the front three, but has been on the bench of late and, if Paynter returns tomorrow, then Jake Carroll’s spot is under threat.

"Whoever is not in it, whichever we go, 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, it will be tough on someone,’’ said Moore. "I need to pick a team which is going to get a result against Cambridge.

"Whoever misses out will be disappointed, but that's life. Next week, we might change again, it's always developing.

"That's why we have a squad of 20-odd players. We've got to pick the right side for that particular game.

"It's not always about 'we'll keep that team'. That side did play well, but if Billy's fit, he's our captain, our leader, he'll come back.

"Whoever goes out, that's life unfortunately, they'll have to live with it.

And, with one successful spot-kick this season, from his last Victoria Park outing against Carlisle, Paynter will be back on penalties.

"Get him back on the pens.

"Bings is devastated. There is no doubt about that.

"I don't now how many pens he's taken in his life, but he's gone and chased the ball straight away - I didn't see many players shouting and screaming to say they wanted it.

"But you have to play the penalty scene properly. He's put it on the spot and stayed there.

"He should have stuck it down and then got out of the way while the Exeter players were rabbiting and moaning about this that and the other.

"He's put himself under pressure by not moving away and not doing it right.

"I think I'd have saved it because of his body shape - even if you are side-footing it, put a bit of pace on it.

"But it's not his fault we've lost the game, we'd have got something out of it if we'd defended for the last 15 seconds."