CRAIG HARRISON has welcomed some positive injury news for his Hartlepool United squad.

The Pools boss has had a lengthy list of players sidelined at various points this season, but three players are stepping up their returns to boost his squad.

Jonathan Franks should be back in contention for tomorrow’s game at Dover, while Nicky Featherstone and Keith Watson are ahead of schedule.

Midfielder Feathertstone missed last week’s defeat to Macclesfield after fracturing a fibula bone, but is healing quicker than expected. Franks has been out with a hamstring strain, while fears Watson’s season could be over with a knee problem look premature.

"Nicky has been to see a specialist and he’ll be fit in two weeks. He should be back in the group training, two weeks on Monday, which is great news,’’ said Harrison.

"Franksy could be available for the weekend, he's back on the pitch. If there is no reaction the he could be fit for the weekend.

"Keith is back on the pitch and the lads are working hard with him.

"The way football is when these lads are back someone else could be injured.

"When it's such a competitive and physical league, with lots of matches, lots of travelling, you just have to get on with it.

"We've been a little unlucky to have three or four senior players out at the same time.

"Keith, Mags, Ryan (Donaldson) have all been out at the same time which is tough but you just have to get on with it.’’

He added: "I don't think I've had an 85% [full] squad to pick from yet.

"It might sound terrible but it would be nice to have the chance to leave a few people out of the squad if I had everyone fit and firing.

"Every team is going to have injuries but from our perspective it's been having to cope without three or four lads who would probably have played the majority of the games."

Scottish centre-half Watson has been missed in defence. Pools are likely to be able to turn his loan deal into a permanent one next month when his deal expires and Harrison said: "He's out with the physios just doing pitch rehab.

"He's progressed from indoor rehab to outdoor rehab so you are probably talking about six weeks maybe.’’

Pools will travel south today and of Franks, Harrison added: "He’s near enough there.

"On Wednesday he was taken to the max, trying to recreate game situations, not with the other players but in a safe, controlled environment.

"If he comes through that he will probably be back in with the lads on Friday.’’