Hartlepool United v Cambridge: Billy Paynter poised to return?

Ronnie Moore will give Hartlepool United skipper Billy Paynter the opportunity to prove his fitness for Saturday’s crucial League Two clash with Cambridge United.

By Roy Kelly

Published 17th Sep 2015, 13:00 BST

Billy Paynter hits the woodwork against Wycombe Wanderers. Picture by FRANK REID

Paynter missed last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Cambridge with a hamstring problem.

But the 31-year-old trained at Maiden Castle this morning and the Pools boss will wait until Saturday to see if he is fit to start.

Moore though hinted that Paynter would only start if he was 100 per cent fit.

“We are just going to wait and see,” said Moore.

“We’ve given him that break and Billy is going to train this morning.

“Billy is saying the right things and wants to play.

“But we can’t be carrying anybody.

“We need to make sure we have 11 lads who are fit and raring to go.

“We’ll probably leave that one to the very last minute.”

Cambridge boss Richard Money has a similar worry over their star striker, Barry Corr, who is trubled by a thigh problem.