HARTLEPOOL United defender Chris Westwood last night revealed he is fit and raring to go.

And Westwood, who has been out for the past two months with a hernia problem, is urging manager Chris Turner to put him straight back into action.

Pool play Oxford United tomorrow at Victoria Park and the 24-year-old is desperate to help Pool climb back up the Division Three table.

"I feel fine and I can't wait to be involved again," said Westwood, who played 90 minutes of reserve football in the 1-0 win at Tow Law on Tuesday night.

"It's been a frustrating time for me, having to sit back and watch us slip down the table knowing I could not do anything to try to help.

"But I feel as though the injury has completely cleared up now and I'm desperate to force my way into the first team."

While Westwood was making his comeback in midweek, Turner was leading his side to a 1-0 win at Macclesfield - a victory which lifted them off the bottom of the table.

Centre-back James Sharp was sent off for stamping on Silkmen's John Askey and the powerful defender will now miss three matches - starting with Exeter on November 10. But Westwood is hoping to impress Turner enough before that time to warrant a first team place.

"The good thing with our squad is that we have plenty of defensive options," said Westwood.

"During the time I was out we also had Spike (Graeme Lee) and Micky (Barron) out with injury.

"But the gaffer was able to bring in Gordon Simms and Sharpy who have both done well."

The former Wolves defender is hopeful that Pool can now win their third League home game in a row and said: "Confidence is high now and I'm sure we will all be focused when Oxford come to the Vic on Saturday."

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