HUGH Robertson's English football education will continue tomorrow - on one of the nation's grander stages.

The new Hartlepool United defender will be part of the back line at Sheffield Wednesday, as Neale Cooper's side look to maintain their impressive away form of late, and pile more misery on former boss Chris Turner.

Robertson made his debut last week after his move from Ross County, but conceded a penalty and was caught out when Daniel Nardeillo bagged Barnsley's first goal.

And the Scot admitted: "Hopefully it gets better than last week!

"It was all right in the first-half but in the second-half I had a spell of about 15 minutes when I couldn't seem to do anything right.

"I just cut across the back of one of their players and he went down and it was a penalty. It is just as well the keeper saved it.''

After spending his career in Scotland, left-back Robertson admitted: "The pace of the start of the game was a little bit quicker than I am used to but it wasn't that much different. I felt OK.

"Man City showed last week that it sometimes helps you when you go down to ten men. You are forced to pull together.

"I am not used to these big stadiums. There are a few in the First Division in Scotland as teams are expanding to try to get into the SPL but a lot of them are smaller grounds.

"Hillsborough should be fantastic this week.''

Wednesday yesterday announced a total debt of £23.6m for the year ending May 31, 2003.

However, chairman Dave Allen - who continues to pump his own cash into the Division Two club - is confident the Owls are heading towards being able to break even.

Turner's job has included ridding the club of its big earners, those on heavy contracts from their Premiership days.

They have languished in mid-table this season and, as he strives to improve their fortunes, Allen gave his boss a welcome boost.

He said: "Despite enduring a torrid and incredibly unfortunate season on the injury front, we still have a chance of being promoted back to the First Division this season, via the play-offs.

"Having worked closely with Chris Turner since the summer, I remain extremely confident he has the vision and ability necessary to be a success as manager of Sheffield Wednesday.''

Read more about Hartlepool here.