WHILE the debate over a midseason break rears its head year in, year out, Richard Barker is an example of the benefits a brief rest can bring.

After playing in almost every minute of every Hartlepool United game this year, the 32-year-old was handed his own four-game break this month.

He still managed to add two goals to his tally during that spell as a late substitute in the win over Crewe at Victoria Park, but returned to the starting line-up to good affect on Boxing Day.

Barker put a heavy shift in as Pools drew 1-1 with Leeds United at Victoria Park, the striker playing his part in defensive duties as well as creating chances at the other end.

And, while he may not have added to his 11 goals for the season, the division's fifth top marksman admitted he could feel the benefits of a rest.

"I felt great over the last couple of weeks in training and could tell in the warm-up the other day that I felt the difference,'' he said.

"Everyone wants to play football on Boxing Day and it's one of the days you look forward to as a professional footballer, so I was lucky enough to get my place back.

"I've played - before my rest at least - every minute this season and I did the same at Mansfield for two-and-a-half years as well.

It's a long time to play at that intensity week in, week out. So the four games dragged on a bit, I felt refreshed after two of them, so it was nice to get back in.

"I scored two after coming off the bench against Crewe, so it's nice to get a little reminder in there to the manager and others.

"I've been here almost a year now, I played against Hartlepool for Mansfield on New Year's Day last season and them came straight here. I read the other day I've scored 20 goals in 45 games for the club, so, with a promotion in there as well, I think I would have taken that if it was offered when I came.

"Hopefully in the next year I will have another 20 goals to celebrate.

Barker will lead the line against Orient this afternoon, opponents Pools saw off in style in London early in the season.

But their campaign has been dogged by inconsistency and Barker admitted: "We started the season well and were up there, but it's about keeping those levels up every week and the higher you get up the divisions the harder it is to keep it going.

"We were saying about Leeds having the belief that they keep going and don't believe they will get beat. We had exactly the same last season in the 20-odd game unbeaten run which got us promoted.

"We need to get back to doing that in a new division and get back up the league table again.'' Pools produced their most complete performance of the season at the Matchroom Stadium when they won 4-2 at a time when Orient topped the League One table.

And O's boss Martin Ling admitted: "They played really well that day, although there form has been a bit up and down this season.

"I'm sure it will be a real test, and when you look at the fixtures you always know your going to be in for a hard game at Hartlepool.

"At the moment, anyone from mid-table, including teams like Hartlepool, still have a chance of the play-offs because the table is very tight. You only have to look at where Walsall's recent run has taken them to see that, so at this moment in time Hartlepool, if they can get some consistent form going, can still include themselves in the mix."

■ Liverpool have signed Alex Cooper, the son of former Pools boss Neale Cooper, for £100,000.

The 16-year-old has moved from Ross County and has signed a four-year deal.

Cooper senior, assistant boss at Scottish second division side Peterhead, said: "He could have gone to one or two other clubs, but just loved the way he was treated when he was there.

"They've invited the whole family to go and see the set-up for ourselves early in the new year, something we're all looking forward to."