PAUL Stephenson's Hartlepool United squad is being boosted with the return of Joel Porter and Hugh Robertson.

And the Pool boss also has Michael Proctor available after the former Sunderland striker bagged a hat-trick in last week's friendly win at Gretna following his recovery from hamstring problems.

Proctor has five goals to his name this season, the last of which was the winning strike in the 1-0 victory at Bristol City on October 1.

Since then, he's found a place hard to come by and has not made a start since mid-November.

But Stephenson, who saw the weekend's trip to Scunthorpe frozen off, is hopeful a rejuvenated Proctor will be available in the coming weeks.

"He admits he hasn't had a fantastic time at the club since he came here,'' said Stephenson.

"But he said when I took charge he is desperate for a chance to impress - and he believes he will take it.

"He knows he is capable of doing better than he has. We know he hasn't had the best start to his career here.

"But he got a hat-trick last week and I hope he can take it on from there.''

Stephenson added: "We did shooting practice in training last week on Monday and Tuesday - and he carried it on by sticking three away.

"We've got to carry on with that mentality and hopefully Michael will.''

Proctor will get the chance to continue his scoring form on Wednesday, when Pool's reserves meet Scunthorpe at Billingham Town (7pm).

Pool's trip to Glanford Park has been rearranged for a week tomorrow, March 14, at 7.30pm.