DANNY Wilson is expecting James Brown to be back for Hartlepool at the wekeend.

The 12-goal striker/winger missed the weekend draw at Bristol Rovers after being kicked in the knee during the previous week's defeat by Swansea.

Brown travelled with the squad to the South-West, but was not involved.

And he was one of four firstteamers to miss out. Gary Liddle has a deep cut in a thigh, which needed 19 stitches, Sam Collins is suffering from bruised ribs and Richard Barker has injured a hamstring.

"James was touch and go but had a reaction on Friday so we had to leave him out,'' said Wilson.

"With a week's grace before the next game I think he should be OK for that one.

"Gary is going to be at least another two weeks because he needs the stitches out before he can do anything and it's a day by day thing with Sam.

"It's a tough one, there's a lot of heavy bruising there and he's having trouble with his mobility. Richard will still be a couple of weeks at least.'' Wilson included teenage midfielder Jonny Rowell on the bench at the weekend. The prospect impressed for the reserves against Leeds three days previously and is tipped to make his mark at Victoria Park.

"I have to say we are a bit thin on the ground anyway, which is no detriment to bringing Jonny Rowell in,'' added Wilson.

"The 16 we had on duty on Saturday was about it.

"If we get another couple of injuries, we are in trouble, so it is nice that you can call on a kid like that who is upcoming.

"We don't think he is anywhere near ready yet. But this experience of coming away with the first team won't do him any harm."