CAPTAIN Carl Magnay has an outside chance of being involved with Hartlepool United tomorrow.

The right-back has been sidelined after hernia surgery. His last outing was the home draw with Tranmere on October 24 and he has missed the last six games.

But he was back in full contact training with his teammates yesterday morning and will again be involved this morning.

“Carl Magnay is back in training and will be fully involved on Friday and hopefully could be involved for Saturday if he comes through it OK,’’ said boss Craig Harrison.

Harrison will be happy to see Magnay back in contention, but his injury list remains too long for his liking.

“We’ve had injuries. Keith (Watson) and Ryan (Donaldson) are out, Ryan landed awkwardly and damaged ankle liagaments, Mags with a hernia – experienced players have been out. Jon Franks with a hamstring – five experienced players who would get in most teams in the league.

“I hear clubs moan about players, but talk about influential players we have had a few out and still done alright in between. We have had a few points to get us over the line.’’

One player back in the side is Jake Cassidy, the front man back after two months out with a foot injury.

He has been carefully managed in training over the last week to make sure he is available for tomorrow’s home game with Macclesfield.

“Jake is back, he’s played a lot of football and we manage his workload,’’ added Harrison. “The club’s relationship with Sunderland has helped and gave us a two-week head start on his return by using their zero-gravity treadmill.

“He’s been out nine weeks and then thrown in Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday, but this week has been one when we have looked after him.

“Franks will train Thursday and Friday with the physio on the pitches. With a hamstring you have to be cautious and we rested him 14 days rather than a week which could be the different between two weeks out and six-eight.

“I would think he will train with the squad next week, but we have to be careful.’’