Hartlepool midfielder set to face Notts County

Paynter made his first appearance since recovering from an Achilles problem when he played – and scored – in the 4-0 win for the second string against Rotherham United last Wednesday.

The club captain is champing at the bit to make a League Two return though boss Ronnie Moore insists he will not rush the 31-year-old back.

And the man who replaced him as team skipper, Magnay, is set to play against the Magpies tomorrow.

Magnay has not laced up his boots since the 2-0 FA Cup second-round replay victory over Salford last month, when he limped off with groin trouble.

Should the Luke James deal go through today, the Peterborough United forward could also get an hour against County.