Hartlepool United skipper Billy Paynter to make comeback against Rotherham

Pools boss Ronnie Moore said the club captain could play some part in the reserve match against Rotherham on Wednesday, but reiterated that the top scorer would not be rushed.

Fans caught a sight of the man they have been missing since the FA Cup first round win over Cheltenham when he helped with and took part in the warm-up for Saturday’s 1-0 vicvtory over Wycombe.

Paynter had his boots on and took a shot or two at the keepers at the Town End and, weather and Ian Gallagher permitting, will do it for real on Wednesday.

Moore, of course, is excited about having his fellow son of Liverpool back but there was caution in his voice.

“Billy will probably play for the reserves at Billingham Town on Wednesday,” he said.

“If he comes through that, then he’s available.

“But we don’t really want to rush him.

“After being out so long, there’s a risk that if you put him on the bench at Cambridge he comes on and does a calf.

“We will be monitored by Buster [Gallagher] on that one.”

Matthew Bates, one of the three players to be given the armband in the nine games Paynter has been absent, could also feature against the Millers.

The central defender had been in excellent form until damaging a toe against Plymouth last month.

While he’s not really been missed - Adam Jackson and Scott Harrison have performed superbly against Derby and Wycombe - the manager wants him back in the squad.

“Batesy’s toe is a bit swollen,” said Moore.

“But hopefully he’ll train today and tomorrow and he could play for the reserves if things go well in training.”

However, another of the skippers, Carl Magnay, will not play for the second string.

The midfielder/right-back, so impressive this season, has not played since being injured in the FA Cup replay win over Salford City.

“Magnay is still out, it’s still a little bit sore.

“We are surprised it’s taken so long - he was due back Boxing Day – he tells us now he will train on Thursday, so we’ll be governed by that.”