Pools face two games against League One strugglers before the Christmas games get into full swing – starting with fourth bottom Yeovil's visit to Victoria Park on Saturday.

Danny Wilson then takes his side to third bottom Hereford before Pools face Southend, Scunthorpe, Crewe and an FA Cup tie with Premiership Stoke in the space of 15 days.

Robson believes Pools need to maximise their return from the Yeovil and Hereford games, with the squad likely to be stretched to its limits over the festive period.

Last week, Pools suffered the huge blow of James Brown being ruled out for the season while it was confirmed yesterday that Willie Boland has been forced to undergo surgery for his troublesome knee problem and won't play again until well into the New Year.

Boland sustained ligament damage in August's home game with Stockport and had been struggling with his mobility since returning to light training.

The 33-year-old will be in a knee brace for the next six weeks – dashing any hopes that he could play a part over Christmas.

Robson said: "The games come thick and fast and our squad is not the biggest so we need to get points on the board sooner rather than later.

Full story in Tuesday's Mail