THERE'S A clamour at Victoria Park for Luke James. But John Hughes admits he is is wary of overloading the teenager.

Since he burst onto the scene at Hartlepool United last January, James has long been in the thoughts of managers and supporters.

Neale Cooper was denied the chance to use him for a long time because of growing pains and a hernia problem.

Hughes has reined him in to try and protect the Football League's young apprentice of the year.

With four goals in his last two reserve games, James is pressing for a start today against Bury. He has appeared as a substitute in Pools' last two games.

Pools have not scored in eight games and Hughes has reiterated the need to win their last four games to try and at least restore some pride in the most miserable of seasons.

"Luke scored again and I watched him closely for the reserves,'' he said. "In the heat of a game, you have to slow young kids down a bit rather than being 100 miles an hour.

"I've been in his ear, to play on the centre-half. Standing in front and the defender can see you, if he's off him, across him, on his shoulder it's harder for the defender - I'm watching him and he's learning.

"You can always play over the top, come short and we want him to take it into a game. His movement is good.

"He has to become a better footballer, add to his game. He's always a centre forward with goals in him and you can't take that natural instinct away.

"But if he drops back into midfield can he be a better footballer. That's what we are saying to the young kids - come in here to practice and improve.

"Short-sharp passing drills, then don't give the ball away. Touch, passing, head up, no touch, pass it sharp.

"That's what gets you out of bed in the morning, working with the likes of Luke.''

Hughes, who has yet to have the meeting with the club heriarchy he has been asking for to plan for next season, added: "Luke is pressing for a start. He came on against MK Dons, with two up front, and then when we went to ten men we had to adjust and he played wide left, more of a stopper role which isn't his game.

"He scored for the reserves again in the week, a wonderful team goal. As a kid he excites me, always has a smile and nothing is too much work for him.

"Of course he is in our thoughts to start. But he's only young and I've seen it happen before when there's expectations on young players.

"You expect a lot of them. Sometimes because of expectations not being met, they suffer. It's also my job to protect him, but he certainly excites me in training.

"He has natural enthusiasm, and you expect that as a given - but trust me, it's not always the case.''

Pools went into their last 12 games accepting the need to win at least seven to stay up. Now, with four to go, they have not won any since setting their target.

That eight-game winless and scoreless run comes on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run.

Pools lost to both MK Dons and Stevenage over the Bank Holiday weekend and Hughes added: "I've reflected on the Easter programme, looking at where we are and how we've played.

"Stevenage on Monday, I felt we played well, our football was good. We passed it well. But that final third once again, to get that elusive goal is beating us.

"That's the disappointment. Looking at where we are as a team and club there is a lot more football being played. We get on it, pass it, and against some good sides we are matching them.

"We beat ourselves a bit against MK Dons - conceding a soft goal and having Simon sent off.

"But even with ten men, we tried to get something. I cannot fault them for that.

"You sit back and, while we have been competitive, we need victories. That goal is the problem.

"Performances have been improving. I look at where we are going as a team and club, form from individuals.''

"We might have to open up a bit. We have to look at what we have player-wise. And then pick from there.

"We have been looking at Bury's style and system so that comes into it. Our style we get that midfield advantage in there with Simon. Take that away, ask him to match up and it's not so much his game, he likes the freer role in there.''