ADAM Boyd's future could yet be at Hartlepool United, after Neale Cooper put the onus on his enigmatic striker to prove his worth, writes Nick Loughlin.

The home-grown forward looked to be leaving Victoria Park, after becoming a source of frustration for Cooper.

He went to Boston and impressed during a three-month loan spell, but the clubs couldn't agree a permanent deal and Boyd returned to Pool, with his future in the balance.

Cooper was scathing of Boyd after he reported back to Victoria Park overweight from his temporary spell at Boston.

But Boyd was handed a rare opportunity on Tuesday, named on the bench for the 2-2 draw with Stockport, and Cooper has hinted Boyd could play his part in the final ten games of the season as Pool aim for a top-six finish and the Division Two play-offs.

Boyd replaced Mark Tinkler just before the interval for his first Pool outing since October, and Cooper said: "It's up to Adam what happens now.

"I thought he worked hard on Tuesday.

"He has got himself into shape and back in contention and we will see what happens.

"Out of the blue I pulled him in on Tuesday and put him in the squad - a total surprise to the lad and he was bubbly in the changing room. He thought he would never feature again, but his attitude has been good in training.''

Midfielder Gavin Strachan could be back in training next week. He has been sidelined by a knee injury.''

*Martin Scott's reserve side were held to a draw by Scunthorpe yesterday.

Steve Carson and Ryan McCann combined well for Andy Appleby to put Pool in front at Billingham Town's Bedford Terrace, but a late equaliser means Pool must wait before claiming the Pontins League Division One East title.

Pool: Konstantopoulos, Craddock, Brackstone, Jordan, Robson, McCann, Sweeney, Clarke, Carson, Robinson, Appleby.