MICKY Barron's injury problems show no sign of abating, with the Hartlepool United skipper facing another operation.

After undergoing surgery on two separate hernia problems 12 months ago, Barron will miss the next four weeks of action as he needs an operation to cure a knee problem.

A thigh problem flared up during Pool's pre-season tour of Holland and a visit to see the club specialist means he will have an operatoion on Monday.

"It's not the type of injury you can start the season with," explained Scott. "If it had been the end of the season then maybe he could have continued but hopefully this operation will sort him out quickly and he can be back playing very soon."

Barron's only run out so far has been in Holland against Top Oss. He was due to be involved in last Tuesday's win over a Middlesbrough side, but was a late withdrawal.

Barron competed with Jack Ross for the right back spot for long periods last season and the Scot is now back in training at Victoria Park.

Ross wanted a return to his homeland, but Pool wouldn't allow him to leave. He has a further 12 months remaining on his contract, with the option for a further year.

He went on sick leave, but Scott said: "Jack had his problems last year when he got homesick, but he got married in the summer and my opinion of him hasn't changed," Scott said.

"He is a good player and at the moment he is in my squad and I'll use him if need be."

* Pool beat Berwick 4-2 last night in a pre-season friendly.

* Defender Jon-Olav Hjelde is poised for a Mansfield debut after agreeing terms on a one-year contract at Field Mill.

The 32-year-old Norwegian, who lapsed out of contract at Nottingham at the end of last season, could be given a run-out in tonight's pre-season friendly against Sheffield Wednesday at Field Mill.

l Stoke boss Johan Boskamp has completed the signings of Belgium defender Carl Hoefkens and Icelandic forward Hannes Sigurdsson.

Read more about Hartlepool here.