Former Chelsea defender set to continue Hartlepool United comeback

The central defender, one of Ronnie Moore’s big summer signings, is in line to play for the reserves against Chesterfield at Billingham.

Tuesday’s Final Third Development League fixture will be Worley’s third appearance since recovering from ankle injury.

New boss Craig Hignett says he is happy to see the 27-year-old making progress.

The ex-Chelsea prospect could benefit from a run of reserve team fixtures – Tuesdays’s visit of the Spireites to Bedford Terrace is start of four midweek games in successive weeks.

Hignett told SportMail that Worley could go out on loan, should the centre-half want more games before the end of the season.

“Harry’s obviously been out a long time but he’s been back in training for three weeks now,” said the manager.

“He’s played in the reserve win over Newcastle and then again against Gateshead the other day He might be a candidate for going out on loan to get some proper games.

“We’ll wait and see. As long as Harry feels good and fit then I’ll leave that up to him to decide.”

Worley has played only five times since his move, including one appearance as skipper in the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy against Sheffield United, but has not featured since being an unused sub in the draw with Cambridge in September.

After Hignett’s arrival last month, he said that he wanted to give every member of his squad an opportunity.

He stands by that statement, as indicated by the fact that Worley would be welcome to stay at the Vic.

Hignett is relieved Pools have those reserve fixtures into mid-April but wants to start giving is fringe players League Two exposure.

“With team playing so well, it’s sort of picking itself at the minute,” said Hignett.

“But the other lads need games to keep them up to speed.

“They will get their chance before the end of the season, there’s no doubt about that.

“I’ve told the lads that we’ll see how the next few games go and then I want a proper look at everyone in a first-team match.

“All the players want to be here and all want to show me what they can do, that’s brilliant for me to see.

“May be one or two of the younger players will go out on loan and try to get some games before the end of the season.”

Hignett explained that he has been impressed with the entire squad, in particular those .

“They have shown a great attitude, I am pleased with them all.

“I’d love to play them all, they have shown me something that I like.

“But, again, I have to make decisions and we are on a really good run, the lads who have the shirts have the shirts and it’s up to them to keep them.

“A player [not in the squad] has to train well and if he gets a chance he has to take it.”

Often managing a large number of players can be tricky for a boss who has to try to keep everyone happy.

But Hignett said: “It’s not an easy job but it’s easier when your team is playing well.

“All the lads have seen the improvements and they can’t have any complaints at the moment because we are winning and playing well.

“They have to bide their time, be patient, wait but also when the time comes, they are ready.

“But the attitudes of them so far are fantastic.”