Brown has made 151 appearances for Pools in five years at the Vic

Hartlepool United caretaker boss Mick Wadsworth has played down the chances of striker James Brown returning to the side against Walsall on Saturday.

Brown, 23, returned to first-team training this week after an ankle injury but Wadsworth is cautious not to rush the forward back prematurely.

"Saturday's a little bit early for him," Wadsworth told BBC Tees.

"We've got to do everything with the guidance of the medical team, so being in the squad for Tuesday is realistic."

Pools academy graduate Brown has seen his career hampered by a string of niggling injuries, including two separate cruciate ligament tears, which have restricted him to just 151 appearances for the club in five years.

"He has missed a lot of work with his injury. It's only the last few days where he's felt really comfortable enough to step it up."

Pools home form this season has been in contrast to their results on their travels, with five of their six points accrued to date picked up away from Victoria Park - something Wadsworth is at odds to understand.

"We've had all sorts of emotions in the home games this season. We've conceded far too many goals but we've probably go the best away record in the league, conceding one in four.

"It's the opposite way round to what most clubs generally have. It's often easier to win at home than it is away, or get good performances.

"We've played very well at times. We've not been hopeless, we've made some silly mistakes, however we've played some excellent attacking football.

"We need to come out with good results and get back up the league."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version