PAUL Stephenson and Kevin Henderson are set to hand Hartlepool boss Chris Turner a New Year boost.

The pair have been out of action for almost two months, midfield playmaker Stephenson undergoing knee surgery, while striker Henderson damaged medial knee ligaments in a reserve match.

Turner will be without the duo as they entertain Leyton Orient this afternoon, but is looking forward to seeing the influential pair back in action shortly.

Henderson bagged 19 goals last season but has just one to his name in the current campaign as he has been hit by injury and suspension.

The pair have been mainstays of Pool's play-off pushes in the last two seasons and Turner knows they will prove useful assets as the season hots up.

"Paul has had 25 minutes under his belt for the reserves last week and he has trained every day with no reaction,'' said Turner. "We hope Kevin Henderson will be back in the middle of January.

"He's back in training and running around OK, he's done quite a lot of work and has been doing exceptionally well.

"We've got a lot of games still to come, with a few still to rearrange, and the more players you have available the better.

"They've both been influential and it's good to know that someone like Hendo and his goals record will be coming back.''

Pool were left frustrated on Boxing Day when their encounter with Scunthorpe was frozen off little more than an hour before kick-off. After their trip to Bristol Rovers was halted after just 12 minutes, Pool have only had one game so far over the Festive period.

"It's been a bit stop-start for us,'' said Turner. "Even though it's only a week since we played Luton, it seems like an eternity.

"We had that game and then prepared for Scunthorpe and had Christmas Day in there as well.

"The good thing is that we are at home, so at least it's not like we have another day away preparing for the game.''

Turner gave his players Christmas Day off and said: "We had the game with Luton and trained them hard on Monday.

"They had Christmas Day off which allowed them to relax because I trust these players and know they are professional in their outlook.''

Pool are also without a game on January 5 as opponents Darlington are still in the FA Cup.

They go to Hull on New Year's Day and their next game is at home to Shrewsbury on January 12.

"If we can get seven or nine points from these three games it will really set us up nicely for the run-in,'' added Turner.

"We are in a good vein of form at the moment and if we can keep it going then we have every chance of being up there.

"There are a few teams at the top who haven't had a real bad spell yet and we have to be ready to capitalise when they do."

Pool are confident today's game will go ahead.

There are no plans for a pitch inspection and spokesman Paul Mullen said last night: "The pitch is perfect at the moment.

"All we can do is keep a close eye on the weather forecast and keep in touch with the referee.

If necessary there will be a pitch inspection as soon as possible, but we don't think it will be necessary.''

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