MARTIN Scott is hoping Hugh Robertson will be fit for the League One start on Saturday.

Hartlepool United, under Scott's leadership, meet Bradford at Victoria Park in a repeat of last season's first game.

And, after Robertson bagged the decisive goal in the 2-1 victory 12 months ago, Scott wants the Scot available this weekend.

He missed the friendly defeat to Newcastle last week with injury, but the foot problems which afflicted him last season have gone.

In his last appearance, at York ten days ago, the hard-hitting left back was striking the ball better than he was at the end of last season.

Scott said: "Hugh Robertson is improving for the weekend. He has a slight problem with his medial ligament.

"He is really fit, the fittest I have seen him, but he cannot whip a ball in like he can or strike a ball cleanly.

"Hugh could have played against Newcastle last week, but that wasn't the right thing to do. Hopefully he will be ready for Bradford.

"The likes of (Martin) Bullock, (Thomas) Butler and (Michael) Proctor didn't play last week because they all already have played enough minutes and it's important to keep them right for Saturday.

"I know my team for Saturday, I know what I am going to go with. Players have been looked after pre-season, not everyone has played every game and there has been a reason for it.

"It's a squad thing. Players from the youth team are knocking on the door and there are others as well who will be ready for Bradford.''

Scott has given all his players plenty of action during pre-season, regularly changing his side around.

And the boss is satisfied with the warm-up programme.

"Since July 1 they have been tremendous and I have been really pleased with them,'' he said.

"The only thing I have been disappointed with has been the injuries.

"It's going to be a squad game and the younger players will play a role next season.

"Pre-season games have nothing on the result, it is all about performance and I have learned a lot from them. I am still learning myself and pre-season has been a very good start for me.''

Teenage striker James Brown needs reconstructive knee surgery after damaging knee ligaments last week. He will be out for at least six months.

Read more about Hartlepool here.