HARTLEPOOL UNITED’S squad could be boosted by the return of two players this weekend.

Sean Kavanagh and Matthew Bates have been both sidelined with hamstring problems in recent weeks, but the pair are back in training and boss Dave Jones hopes to have them available for Saturday’s game with Exeter at The Northern Gas and Power Stadium.

The pair are back in training and, while they may find it hard to dislodge the current back four after a clean sheet in midweek, they will add to the squad and ensure a full compliment of substitutes for Jones.

“We will look at getting players back and that would be a bonus. We will look to get a couple back and we are hopeful, if we get more all the better.

"We'll work with what we have at the moment but if Buster tells us we have more back then that's a bonus.

"Sean and Batesy are back in and we'll have to wait and see how Billy is.’’

Captain Paynter has been out with an Achilles problem and had an injection last week in the hope of avoiding surgery which would rule him out for the rest of the season.

Jones said: "It looked like he'd be needing an op but they are trying something different to see if it will help him.

"Hopefully it'll work, they don't think it is severe enough to warrant an operation.

"If we can get two back, brilliant. If it's three then that's even better.’’