FOR Micky Barron the wait is nearly over.

Following a summer of rest, recuperation and more rest and recuperation, the Hartlepool United skipper is back in the first-team picture.

An hour of football in Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy win over Hull was - ten minutes of reserve game aside - his first football since the end of last season.

His season ended well before it should have, a smack in the face rendering him unconscious as Pool were knocked out of the play-offs.

A hernia operation, he hoped, would do the trick and see him fit for the new season.

But as pre-season training moved up a gear, Barron stalled. A second hernia operation was needed.

So Barron, a near ever-present in his eight years at Victoria Park, had to go through it all again.

Pool go through it all again this afternoon when Hull arrive at Victoria Park, four days after their LDV Vans Trophy encounter.

Wether Barron starts remains to be seen, as Pool boss Neale Cooper has been ultra-cautious with his skipper's return.

Barron travelled to both Crystal Palace and Milton Keynes, but was left watching from the stands after being omitted from the 16 on duty.

And he could be on the bench this afternoon if Cooper decides to remain cautious.

Barron said: "I just hope the problems are over now. I knew for a long time I was suffering with a hernia and it had to be sorted out.

"Some days it was OK, some days it was agony. I didn't want it doing at the end of last season because I didn't want to miss out when the team was doing so well.

"And the idea was that over the summer would be ideal.

"In the end I needed them both doing.

"It was frustrating not to be involved at Palace , but some of the others lads who had been struggling with injuries recovered and I was only there as cover.

"Hopefully, once I get 90 minutes of football under my belt I can start to challenge from a regular first-team place.''

Pool have been an inconsistent force this season, with their away form far from the achievements of last season when they won more and scored more than anyone else on the road.

Last week's defeat at MK Dons was Pool's fourth League One away reverse in five games.

He said: "Last year everyone said we would go down and I suppose that this year, people will look and say we won't do as well as last year.

"It's important we at least match what we did last year and the determination is there to do it.

"The play-off final wasn't the best and I think the two best teams were knocked out in the semi-finals.

"But, because we went so far last season, it makes things harder for us this time out.

"Teams aren't surprised by us now and they come to our place to keep things tight and shut up shop - maybe that's why we won so many on the road last season.

"Teams know about our players and the way we play. If you see the teams in the league, there aren't many who you really fear.

"We can't go on thinking 'we did well last season'. That's gone now and we have to look ahead.''

Pool triumphed in midweek on penalties, but both starting XIs will be changed this afternoon.

But Cooper admitted: "We learned what a good side they are, especially Stuart Green in midfield.

"They are a very strong side and can cause a lot of damage in the wide areas.

"They are one of the best teams I have seen so far."

Counterpart Peter Taylor, who doubles up as manager of the England under-21 side, admitted: "Tuesday was a very good football match; both teams played some quality football and of course I respect Hartlepool.

"They're a good team and are very organised. I'm sure it's going to be another good match on Saturday.

"Looking at it, I've been impressed with Hartlepool, I'm sure they were impressed with us, so this should be a good game.''