NATHAN Thomas could be held back by Hartlepool United boss Dave Jones this weekend.

Pools go to Newport with the new manager overseeing the operation after a first full week on the training ground.

And, speaking at this morning’s press conference, Jones admitted patience could be the key with Thomas.

The winger made a late cameo appearance in the win over Stevenage last weekend, his first outing after three months out with a groin injury.

"The the problem with Nathan is that he's been out a long time, so his body is out of balance,'' said Jones. 

"All of a sudden you feel something else that you didn't have because you've not been working that part.

"We'll see how he is, I'm sure there will be battle between me, the player and physio about who's fit and who's right.

"But at the end of the day I know it will be the right decision, whether he's ready or not.

"The last thing you want to do is put someone on the pitch who is carrying something and risk putting them out for longer.

"You may have to suffer without him for a game to get him for the rest of the season.

"It's being brave to do it [leave him out].’’

Billy Paynter missed out last weekend with an Achilles problem and remains a big doubt for the weekend.

Rhys Oates impressed when given a rare chance to play through the middle as a centre forward last weekend and Jones, who has former Newcastle and Sunderland striker Michael Chopra training with the squad,  said: "Sometimes, you might think 'I can't do without people', yes you can, you are giving someone else the opportunity to stake a claim.

"Look at last Saturday, Billy was in the team, came in injured and that gave someone else a chance and he took it.

"Now Billy knows he has a fight on his hands because someone has slotted it.

"What a healthy position to be in.

"People ask are you down because such and such is out, no, never. Do I worry making decisions? No, never.’’