Hartlepool defender Ben Clark is looking forward to getting back to full fitness after returning from injury against Tranmere.The former Sunderland player was called into action shortly after the break in his side's 3-1 defeat at Tranmere due to Sam Collins' injury, and Clark insisted it was a great relief to make his comeback after working with the youth team to recover from a thigh problem.

He told the Hartlepool Mail: "I have missed a lot of training and games. I was obviously delighted to be back in the squad because it has been a long few weeks. I was surprised to get on so early but I was pleased to get on.

"To be fair I have had too much training. It has been a bit difficult because the lads have had games and I have been training with the youth team quite a bit.

"Hopefully I can be involved next week and get back to full fitness."

Meanwhile, striker Tom Craddock has returned to Middlesbrough after making four appearances during a month-long loan spell at Victoria Park.

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