NATHAN Thomas’ hopes of making a quicker than expected return to action for Hartlepool United have taken a knock.

The winger suffered a groin tear in the defeat at Barnet in November and underwent surgery.

He was hoping to be back in early January, a little quicker than expected, but boss Craig Hignett now feels the end of next month is a more realistic target.

There was expected to be plenty of interest in the attacker in the transfer window, such is his impact this season.

Pools could do with the money generated from selling their prize asset, as they are facing with another winding up order – their third in recent months.

A High Court petition has been issued against the club by Her Majestys Revenue and Customs for a hefty £104,298.47. The hearing is due to be heard on February 6.

Pools have also been fined £2000 by the FA for failing to control their players in the win over Accrington on November 22.

Chairman Gary Coxall yesterday used Twitter to address concerns of supporters and allay financial fears.

The players are well aware of the financial issues dogging the club and Hignett is trying to keep them focused on improving results and performances.

But of Thomas he admitted: “I feel for Nath. His progress was great, it looked like he was going to get back early then he had an infection which set him back.

“He is back now. Nath says he is going to be fit in two weeks but that is him all over.

“He won't be back that quick but we do want him back.

“I think at the moment his target is the end of January.’’

Without Thomas Pools have struggled in front of goal in recent games and have gone four matches without a goal. They failed to trouble the Portsmouth keeper last weekend in the 0-0 draw, but earned praise for a solid defensive display.

Their last goal came in the win over Accrington on November 22, but Hignett said: “It does not worry me at all.

“We were the top scorers away from home in the country three or four weeks ago so I am not worried about goals.

“We need to stop giving silly goals away. If we do that I know we will win games because we are capable of scoring goals.’’

Hignett recalled Billy Paynter to the side at Fratton Park, with the captain offering a focal point up front and playing his part in Pools earning a point.

Padraig Amond has been Hignett’s preferred sole front man in a 4-3-3 set up, but the manager admitted: “Billy did well, used his experience. Sometimes you need that to slow games down or to draw a foul and he is the best we have at it.

“What we miss out on once side, we gain on the other.

“He’s a good player, had good clubs and played at a good level. What’s probably stopped him is his pace from playing higher.

“He is experienced and I feel we need it. Podge has done well, but played every game and needs a break, he’s looked a bit leggy even though he works his socks off every game.

“At times I don’t just want to accommodate him, he’s played on the right for us, and he’s done that in his career, but I wanted a proper midfielder in that role, to play wider and the wide men did well.’’

There was also a recall and a rare start for Rhys Oates last weekend and Hignett added: “Rhys was excellent for 60 minutes on his first game for me. I know what you get with him, and he’s not pleasing on the eye at times but he has a burst of pace.

“He is strong, won’t give an easy ride to the opposition. At home we may look to be different, we have games to come and I need the squad. We’ve a lot of young players who can come in if needed, with a core of the squad of about 20 and I have to make sure I can use them.’’

Pools are in for training tomorrow, to prepare for the Boxing Day home game with Blackpool. Hignett gave his players three days off following the Portsmouth game and he said: “For Christmas Day we should be in, to tick over. We are in now throughout. I’ve done it both ways and had Christmas Day off, but this is a longer week between games so the lads had a few days off from last weekend.

“Now they work through to the Boxing Day game.’’