ADAM Boyd is planning his New Year return after stepping up his rehabilitation.

The talented Hartlepool United striker has been out of action since damaging knee ligaments in a clash with Yeovil keeper Chris Weale on September 3.

After undergoing surgery, Boyd suffered an infection which set him back weeks.

But, after hours of painstaking work, the striker has a return in sight.

Pool have sorely missed his goals and ability to break down League One defences this season - they have scored just 24 goals in 22 games and only three clubs have netted less.

"I have come on in leaps and bounds in the last few weeks and I can't wait to be out on the pitch," Boyd said.

"I am running to the best of my ability, which is not far behind what I was in pre-season, so everything is looking good.

"I am doing warm-ups with the lads and hopefully just waiting for Gordon (Ellis, physio) to say I can start full training.

"It is nice to see the lads again and to spend time training with them - it is better than being with Gordon and the four or five long-termers in the treatment room!"

Tickets for the games at Oldham (Saturday, January 31) are cheaper if bought in advance from the club shop. Prices are £21 and £11, with a £1 increase on the day.

Pool are at home to Southend (Wednesday, December 28, 7.45pm) and Swindon (January 2, 3pm).

* Brian Deane has joined Sheffield United for the third time in his career on a deal until the end of the season.

Manager Neil Warnock has targeted his forward line as an area to improve and sees the 37-year-old as an ideal foil to assist Neil Shipperley in the promotion run-in.

The Blades chief is expected to add another striker in January but insists Deane will play an integral part in the club's hopes to rejoin the Premiership elite.

''We feel that Brian, especially with his affinity to the club, will be useful to have around," he said.

Read more about Hartlepool here.